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Welcome to GreatData!
In this video, we'll be discussing the difference between a ZCTA versus a ZIP Code.
And you wonder, 'What's a ZCTA?'
Well, the ZCTA was developed by the U.S. Census Bureau for the 2000 Census.
It's an approximation of a ZIP Code, but it's not an exact ZIP Code.
For instance, a ZCTA is comprised of multiple Census blocks.
A Census Block is about 30 people, on average, and there's multiple blocks [per ZIP Code].
The Census Bureau would combine these blocks to approximate a ZIP Code boundary.
Here is an example where the red line would be the real [USPS] ZIP Code boundary (where they deliver) would be located.
This is what the Census Bureau would be doing: combining the blocks in that area and saying, 'These blocks combined equal a ZCTA.'
They code it the same number as a ZIP Code, so whatever your ZIP Code is would be the same as your ZCTA.
And that's basically the difference. It's not an exact science. The population can vary a bit.
It's really the only way that we have to calculate what the approximate population of a ZIP Code is.
Thank you for watching this video! If you have any further questions, please contact us at GreatData.com.
We welcome your calls or emails. Have a great day!