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Using ZIP codes for data analysis As stated earlier, the problem with ZIP Codes is that: They don't represent real boundaries, but rather routes. They don't represent how humans behave.

Within the standard census geographic hierarchy, BGs never cross state, county, or census tract boundaries but may cross the boundaries of any other geographic entity.

Numbered uniquely with a four-digit census block number ranging from 0000 to 9999 nesting within each census tract, which nest within state and county. The first digit of the census block number identifies the block group. Block numbers beginning with a zero (in Block Group 0) are associated with water-only areas.

Many data users think that ZCTAs must stay within the state boundary, but in a few cases, ZCTAs can cross into bordering states. School districts must fall within each state. States are responsible for updating their boundaries, and districts may cross county and place boundaries.

Yes, you can get data for Census tracts, block groups and blocks all of which tend to be smaller than zip codes.For most projects, we recommend using Census tracts, because they tend to have lower margins of error than do block groups. Block groups are generally defined to contain between 600 and 3,000 people.

Yes, you can get data for Census tracts, block groups and blocks all of which tend to be smaller than zip codes. Census tracts generally have a population size between 1,200 and 8,000 people, with an optimum size of 4,000 people. The most current Census data are available for Census tracts.

The first is that humans don't behave based on administrative units such as zip codes, or even census units. Their behavior is influenced much more by their neighbors, or areas such as neighborhoods or high activity areas (such as central business districts).