Table 1 A Summary of Census ZCTA Characteristics

1.

ZCTAs are linked to Census blocks and every tabulation block has a single ZCTA code

2.

ZCTAs cover all tabulation blocks in the United States and Puerto Rico

3.

ZCTAs may consist of two or more discontiguous areas

4.

A ZCTA code represents a five digit ZIP code where possible

5.

In large undeveloped areas where there are no master address file (MAF) addresses with five-digit ZIP codes, the ZCTA code assigned is based on the three-digit ZIP code (e.g. XX for tracts of undeveloped land and HH for water features)