What is the difference between a ZCTA and a ZIP code?

With IP3 ASSESS you can build your own areas of analysis. The building blocks include counties, cities, census tracts, and ZIP code tabulation areas (or ZCTAs). What is a ZCTA? Is it the same as a ZIP code? 

ZIP codes and ZIP code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) are not a 1:1 match. We all know our ZIP codes but they are not a useful geographic identifier for geographic analysis. ZIP codes can cross state and county boundaries, they change often, and it can be difficult to pin down the exact geographic footprint of a ZIP code. 

In 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau introduced ZIP code tabulation areas or ZCTAs. ZCTAs are the Census boundary that corresponds to ZIP codes. ZCTAs are more stable geographies with defined boundaries that change only after a decennial Census.

There are fewer ZCTAs than ZIP codes. If you don't see your ZIP code listed in the list of ZCTAs, you'll want to use this crosswalk to determine an alternative. You'll need to find a substitute when a ZIP code represents a post office or a large volume mail customer with few or no actual residents (e.g., a hospital or a University). 

Learn more