A summary of the Zip Code Boundary specification
1.0 Introduction
The Zip Code datasets are reported once per year by the United States Census. The data reflect the zip codes in the defined search region. The dataset is available to download through the Urban SDK Data Hub for the years 2015 - 2020.
Zip Code Definition
A Zip Code is a string of numbers used by postal service providers. The United States Postal Service created zip codes in the 1960's as a Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) to indicate more efficient methods of mail delivery.
Zip codes are organized by state and geographical region.
Zip Code Parameters: Census.gov
2.0 Data Specification
The following table is the format in which downloaded Zip Code Boundary data will be provided:
| Field |
Type |
Description |
|
|
String |
The GIS information required for the computer to read the mapping file |
|
|
Integer |
The unique identifier for the Zip Code |
|
|
Float |
Area in square miles of the boundary |
|
|
String |
Name of the Zip Code |
|
|
String |
Name of the state the Zip Code resides in |
|
|
String |
Name of the county that the Zip Code resides in |