The Census Bureau conducts over 130 surveys and provides data access to thousands of variables through dozens of data tools, a variety of data visualizations, data tables, raw data, and the Census Application Programming Interface (or API for short).

This “Start Here” course is meant to be a quick start guide for beginners, but be sure to explore Census Academy’s many resources when you are ready to learn more.

Module 3: Geography

These videos explain some of our popular geographies for which you can access Census Bureau data.

DATA GEM: What is a Census Tract? Making Sense of Census Geography (2:20)

If want to access data for parts of your community, Census Tracts are the way to go. This geography will give you the flexibility to take a deeper look at any small area of a city or county. Watch this gem to learn all about the Census Tract.

DATA GEM: What is a CDP? Making Sense of Census Geography (1:47)

Working with census geography can be confusing. If you need to access data for cities and towns, it is important to learn more about CDPs. CDP is the abbreviation for Census Designated Place, the statistical counterpart of an incorporated place. CDPs are delineated to provide data for settled concentrations of populations. Learn more about why we create CDPs, their uses and how you can identify them in your data searches.

DATA GEM: What is a ZCTA? Making Sense of Census Geography (2:18)

The Census Bureau does not produce population data at the Zip Code level, but rather by the Census Bureau's own Zip Code Tabulation Areas, or "ZCTA." If you are wondering what a ZCTA is, watch this quick explanation and how they compare to zip codes! 

To learn about census geographies in more depth, you can view our geography course.