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Census: Census Geography

The U.S. Census Bureau conducts several data collection programs about the U.S. population which have their own language, geography, and data portals. This guide is based on a similar guide created by Jacquelyn Daniel at RWWL.

How Census Collects Data

The following links lead to Census documentation describing how the Census collects data, models of Census geography and terms and concepts used in Census Questionnaires.
Note that changes in Census methodology over time will impact comparisons between Censuses.

American FactFinder Reference Shelf
Data and map publications from the Census Department.


U.S. Postal Service Zip Code (U.S. Postal Service)
Zip Code look-up web site. Note zip codes can change over time when comparing earlier data.





Census Geography

The Census Department distributes data for various geographic areas up to the national level. Click on the link below to see a diagram which displays geographic areas from the smallest to the largest.

Census Geography

Definition of Census Terms

Census 2000 Geographic Terms and Concepts (U.S. Census Bureau)
Links to a glossary of terminology used in the collection of the Census 2000 data including racial categories. Gives descriptions and hierarchy of Census geography from the block level to the national level. Click to download PDF file.

Subject Guide

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Jacquelyn Daniel
Contact:
Phone 404-978-2016

Fax 404-978-2113