Census tract

Census Tract

A census tract is a geographic region defined for the purpose of taking a census. These regions are defined by national statistical agencies in many countries, including the United States Census Bureau and Statistics Canada. Census tracts are generally small in size, with a population between 2,500 and 8,000 people. They are designed to be relatively homogeneous with respect to population characteristics, economic status, and living conditions.

History

The concept of the census tract was first developed in the early 20th century by the United States Census Bureau. The first census tracts were used in the 1910 census in a few select cities. The use of census tracts has since expanded and is now a standard part of the census process in many countries.

Purpose and Use

The primary purpose of a census tract is to provide a stable set of geographic units for the presentation of statistical data. Census tracts are used in a variety of ways by different organizations. For example, they are used by government agencies to plan and implement programs and policies. They are also used by researchers and policy analysts to study patterns of social and economic change.

Design and Characteristics

Census tracts are designed to be relatively homogeneous units with respect to population characteristics, economic status, and living conditions at the time of establishment. The spatial size of census tracts varies widely depending on the density of settlement. In urban areas, they are small and in rural areas they can cover an entire small town or even large parts of a county.

Census Tract vs. Block Group

A block group is a subdivision of a census tract (or, prior to 2000, a block numbering area). A block group consists of clusters of blocks within the same census tract that have the same first digit of their four-digit identifying numbers.

See Also

• Census geography
• Census block
• Census division
• Census region