Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 1 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Guide to State and Local Census Geography

The first Guide to State and Local Census Geography (1990 CPH-I-18) was issued in June 1993 as a 

joint venture between the US Census Bureau and the Association of Public Data Users (APDU). The 

book contained an overview of census geography and had information about key geographic concepts for 

each state as it related to the 1990 Census.

The US Census Bureau updated this publication based on geography for the 2010 Census and is making 

it available as a web publication. The format of this publication is similar to the 1993 publication in that it 

has information about the census geography of each state. This edition of the publication includes:

Basic information about the state

o 2010 Census Population

o Land Area

o Density

o Capital

o Date Became a State

o Bordering States

o International Borders

History of the State

o Includes information as to what censuses have data for this state

American Indian Areas

Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas and Related Statistical Areas

Counties

County Subdivisions

Places

Census Tracts/Block Groups/Blocks

Congressional Districts

School Districts

State Legislative Districts

Urban Areas

ZIP Code Tabulation Areas

Other Information of General Geographic Interest (select states)

Historical Centers of Population

Most Populous, Largest in Area, and Most Densely Populated Areas 

Lists of Entities
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Alabama ........................................................................................................................................................6

Alaska............................................................................................................................................................9

Arizona ........................................................................................................................................................12

Arkansas .....................................................................................................................................................15

California .....................................................................................................................................................18

Colorado......................................................................................................................................................21

Connecticut .................................................................................................................................................24

Delaware .....................................................................................................................................................28

District of Columbia .....................................................................................................................................31

Florida .........................................................................................................................................................34

Georgia........................................................................................................................................................37

Hawaii..........................................................................................................................................................41

Idaho ...........................................................................................................................................................45

Illinois ..........................................................................................................................................................48

Indiana.........................................................................................................................................................52

Iowa.............................................................................................................................................................56

Kansas ........................................................................................................................................................58

Kentucky......................................................................................................................................................63

Louisiana.....................................................................................................................................................67

Maine...........................................................................................................................................................71

Maryland......................................................................................................................................................75

Massachusetts ............................................................................................................................................79

Michigan......................................................................................................................................................83

Minnesota....................................................................................................................................................87

Mississippi...................................................................................................................................................91

Missouri.......................................................................................................................................................95

Montana ......................................................................................................................................................99

Nebraska...................................................................................................................................................103

Nevada......................................................................................................................................................107

New Hampshire.........................................................................................................................................110

New Jersey................................................................................................................................................114

New Mexico...............................................................................................................................................117

New York...................................................................................................................................................120

North Carolina ...........................................................................................................................................124

North Dakota .............................................................................................................................................126
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Ohio...........................................................................................................................................................131

Oklahoma..................................................................................................................................................135

Oregon ......................................................................................................................................................139

Pennsylvania.............................................................................................................................................142

Rhode Island .............................................................................................................................................146

South Carolina ..........................................................................................................................................150

South Dakota ............................................................................................................................................153

Tennessee.................................................................................................................................................157

Texas.........................................................................................................................................................161

Utah...........................................................................................................................................................165

Vermont.....................................................................................................................................................168

Virginia ......................................................................................................................................................172

Washington ...............................................................................................................................................176

West Virginia .............................................................................................................................................180

Wisconsin..................................................................................................................................................183

Wyoming ...................................................................................................................................................187

Puerto Rico................................................................................................................................................190
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Table 1. Selected Data from the 2010 Census

ANSI 

Code Name Population Housing Units

Land Area 

(square 

miles)

Population 

Density

Housing 

Unit 

Density

Population 

Rank

Land 

Area 

Rank

Population 

Density 

Rank

01 Alabama 4,779,736 2,171,853 50,645.33 94.4 

 

42.9 23 28 27

02 Alaska 710,231 306,967 570,640.95 1.2 

 

0.5 47 1 50

04 Arizona 6,392,017 2,844,526 113,594.08 56.3 

 

25.0 16 6 33

05 Arkansas 2,915,918 1,316,299 52,035.48 56.0 

 

25.3 32 27 34

06 California 37,253,956 13,680,081 155,779.22 239.1 

 

87.8 1 3 11

08 Colorado 5,029,196 2,212,898 103,641.89 48.5 

 

21.4 22 8 37

09 Connecticut 3,574,097 1,487,891 4,842.36 738.1 

 

307.3 29 48 4

10 Delaware 897,934 405,885 1,948.54 460.8 

 

208.3 45 49 6

11 District of Columbia 601,723 296,719 

 

61.05 9,856.5 4,860.4 - - -

12 Florida 18,801,310 8,989,580 53,624.76 350.6 

 

167.6 4 26 8

13 Georgia 9,687,653 4,088,801 57,513.49 168.4 

 

71.1 9 21 18

15 Hawaii 1,360,301 519,508 6,422.63 211.8 

 

80.9 40 47 13

16 Idaho 1,567,582 667,796 82,643.12 19.0 

 

8.1 39 11 44

17 Illinois 12,830,632 5,296,715 55,518.93 231.1 

 

95.4 5 24 12

18 Indiana 6,483,802 2,795,541 35,826.11 181.0 

 

78.0 15 38 16

19 Iowa 3,046,355 1,336,417 55,857.13 54.5 

 

23.9 30 23 36

20 Kansas 2,853,118 1,233,215 81,758.72 34.9 

 

15.1 33 13 40

21 Kentucky 4,339,367 1,927,164 39,486.34 109.9 

 

48.8 26 37 22

22 Louisiana 4,533,372 1,964,981 43,203.90 104.9 

 

45.5 25 33 24

23 Maine 1,328,361 721,830 30,842.92 43.1 

 

23.4 41 39 38

24 Maryland 5,773,552 2,378,814 9,707.24 594.8 

 

245.1 19 42 5

25 Massachusetts 6,547,629 2,808,254 7,800.06 839.4 

 

360.0 14 45 3

26 Michigan 9,883,640 4,532,233 56,538.90 174.8 

 

80.2 8 22 17

27 Minnesota 5,303,925 2,347,201 79,626.74 66.6 

 

29.5 21 14 31

28 Mississippi 2,967,297 1,274,719 46,923.27 63.2 

 

27.2 31 31 32

29 Missouri 5,988,927 2,712,729 68,741.52 87.1 

 

39.5 18 18 28

30 Montana 989,415 482,825 145,545.80 6.8 

 

3.3 44 4 48

31 Nebraska 1,826,341 796,793 76,824.17 23.8 

 

10.4 38 15 43
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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ANSI 

Code Name Population Housing Units

Land Area 

(square 

miles)

Population 

Density

Housing 

Unit 

Density

Population 

Rank

Land 

Area 

Rank

Population 

Density 

Rank

32 Nevada 2,700,551 1,173,814 109,781.18 24.6 

 

10.7 35 7 42

33 New Hampshire 1,316,470 614,754 8,952.65 147.0 

 

68.7 42 44 21

34 New Jersey 8,791,894 3,553,562 7,354.22 1,195.5 

 

483.2 11 46 1

35 New Mexico 2,059,179 901,388 121,298.15 17.0 

 

7.4 36 5 45

36 New York 19,378,102 8,108,103 47,126.40 411.2 

 

172.1 3 30 7

37 North Carolina 9,535,483 4,327,528 48,617.91 196.1 

 

89.0 10 29 15

38 North Dakota 672,591 317,498 69,000.80 9.7 

 

4.6 48 17 47

39 Ohio 11,536,504 5,127,508 40,860.69 282.3 

 

125.5 7 35 10

40 Oklahoma 3,751,351 1,664,378 68,594.92 54.7 

 

24.3 28 19 35

41 Oregon 3,831,074 1,675,562 95,988.01 39.9 

 

17.5 27 10 39

42 Pennsylvania 12,702,379 5,567,315 44,742.70 283.9 

 

124.4 6 32 9

44 Rhode Island 1,052,567 463,388 1,033.81 1,018.1 

 

448.2 43 50 2

45 South Carolina 4,625,364 2,137,683 30,060.70 153.9 

 

71.1 24 40 20

46 South Dakota 814,180 363,438 75,811.00 10.7 

 

4.8 46 16 46

47 Tennessee 6,346,105 2,812,133 41,234.90 153.9 

 

68.2 17 34 19

48 Texas 25,145,561 9,977,436 261,231.71 96.3 

 

38.2 2 2 26

49 Utah 2,763,885 979,709 82,169.62 33.6 

 

11.9 34 12 41

50 Vermont 625,741 322,539 9,216.66 67.9 

 

35.0 49 43 30

51 Virginia 8,001,024 3,364,939 39,490.09 202.6 

 

85.2 12 36 14

53 Washington 6,724,540 2,885,677 66,455.52 101.2 

 

43.4 13 20 25

54 West Virginia 1,852,994 881,917 24,038.21 77.1 

 

36.7 37 41 29

55 Wisconsin 5,686,986 2,624,358 54,157.80 105.0 

 

48.5 20 25 23

56 Wyoming 563,626 261,868 97,093.14 5.8 

 

2.7 50 9 49

- United States 308,745,538 131,704,730 3,531,905 87.4 

 

37.3 - - -

72 Puerto Rico 3,725,789 1,636,946 3,423.78 1,088.2 

 

478.1 - - -
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Alabama

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 4,779,736 (23rd)

Land Area: 50,645.3 square miles (28th)

Density: 94.4 persons per square mile (27th)

Capital: Montgomery

Became a State: December 14, 1819 (22nd)

Bordering States: Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee

Abbreviation: AL

ANSI/FIPS Code: 01

HISTORY

The area of Alabama north of the 31st parallel was part of the original territory of the United States. The 

northern two-thirds were a part of Georgia until 1802. The southern one-third of the territory north of the 

31st parallel was unorganized until 1798 with the creation of Mississippi Territory. The United States 

claimed the territory south of the 31st parallel as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, but did not 

formally acquire this territory from Spain until 1812. Alabama Territory was organized from the eastern 

part of Mississippi Territory on March 3, 1817, with generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Alabama are available 

beginning with the 1800 census. The 1800 population shown for Alabama is for that portion of the present 

state north of the 31st parallel that was part of Mississippi Territory; it does not include population in the 

area claimed by Georgia. The 1810 population shown is for all of the present state north of the 31st

parallel. The population of the entire legally established Mississippi Territory (of which the area of 

Alabama was a part) was 40,352 in 1810 and 8,550 in 1800.

Data for the legally established state of Alabama are available beginning with the 1820 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Alabama has one federally recognized American Indian reservation and off-reservation trust land, one 

state recognized reservation, and six state designated tribal statistical areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Alabama has 12 metropolitan statistical areas, 13 micropolitan statistical areas, and 7 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 67 counties in Alabama. Each county is governed by a county commission.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 390 county subdivisions in Alabama. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions (MCDs) used in the census 

included election precincts, beats, and land survey townships.
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PLACES

Alabama has 578 places; 460 incorporated places and 118 census designated places (CDPs). The

incorporated places consist of 167 cities and 293 towns. Cities have a minimum population threshold of 

2,000 people and towns have between 300 and 1,999 people. A minimum population of 300 is required 

to incorporate in Alabama.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Alabama has 1,181 census tracts, 3,438 block groups, and 252,266 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Alabama had seven congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Alabama continues to have seven congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Alabama has 134 unified school districts. The Department of Defense runs two of the unified school 

districts in Alabama.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 35 state senate districts and 105 state house districts in Alabama.

URBAN AREAS

Alabama has 73 urban areas; 14 urbanized areas and 59 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 645 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Alabama. 

CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_01.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010633° 00′ 29′′ 86° 45′ 25′′

2000633° 00′ 05′′ 86° 45′ 58′′

1990532° 59′ 48′′ 86° 46′ 27′′

1980432° 59′ 32′′ 86° 46′ 30′′

1970332° 59′ 28′′ 86° 46′ 39′′

1960332° 57′ 16′′ 86° 47′ 32′′

1950332° 47′ 09′′ 86° 46′ 41′′

1940232° 59′ 25′′ 86° 45′ 13′′

1930232° 59′ 01′′ 86° 44′ 36′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1920132° 57′ 26′′ 86° 43′ 21′′

1910132° 54′ 07′′ 86° 42′ 29′′

1900132° 53′ 13′′ 86° 42′ 18′′

1890132° 54′ 38′′ 86° 44′ 46′′

1880132° 51′ 09′′ 86° 43′ 16′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Jefferson County 658,466 Baldwin County 1,589.78 Jefferson County 592.5

Place

- Inc 

Place Birmingham city 212,237 Huntsville city 209.05 Fairfield city 3,202.6

- CDP

Tillmans Corner 

CDP 17,398 Pine Level CDP 24.81

Grayson Valley 

CDP 2,871.7

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
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Alaska

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 710,231 (47th)

Land Area: 570,641.0 square miles (1st)

Density: 1.2 persons per square mile (50th)

Capital: Juneau

Became a State: January 3, 1959 (49th)

International Border: Canada; Russia

Abbreviation: AK

ANSI/FIPS Code: 02

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Alaska by purchase from Russia in 1867, with generally the same 

boundary as the present state. The formal boundary between the southeastern portion of Alaska and 

Canada was settled by treaty in 1903. Alaska Territory was organized on August 24, 1912. 

Alaska was not enumerated in the 1870 census even though the area was part of the United States. 

Census data for Alaska are available beginning with the 1880 census.

Data for the legally established state of Alaska are available beginning with the 1960 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Alaska has one federally recognized American Indian reservation.

ALASKA NATIVE REGIONAL CORPORATIONS/ALASKA NATIVE AREAS

There are 12 Alaska Native Regional Corporations (ANRCs) whose boundaries cover the state outside of 

the area of the Annette Islands Reserve. ANRCs were created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims 

Settlement Act (ANCSA) and organized under the laws of the state of Alaska to conduct both the for-profit 

and non-profit affairs of Alaska Natives within a defined region of Alaska. These are considered legal 

geographic entities by the Census Bureau. A 13th corporation comprises of Alaska Natives residing 

outside of the state; however this corporation is not reflected in Census Bureau products because it has 

no defined geographic extent. Within the corporation boundaries are 220 Alaska Native village statistical 

areas (ANVSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Alaska has two metropolitan statistical areas and three micropolitan statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 29 county equivalents in Alaska. 

Most of the land area in Alaska has not been divided into political subdivisions. Boroughs, cities and 

boroughs, and municipalities are legal entities. Census areas are statistical entities. In Alaska, there are 

twelve boroughs, four city and boroughs, and two municipalities (borough equivalent). There are four 

consolidated governments, Anchorage, Juneau, Sitka, and Wrangell, which are classified as municipal 

governments.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Alaska has 11 statistical entities called “census areas.” Census areas are statistical areas established in 

cooperation with state government for reporting data in the portion of the state outside any borough. 

These areas are sometimes referred to as the “unorganized borough” and are administered by the state. 

Boroughs and census areas were first recognized as county equivalent entities for the 1980 Census. 

Prior to 1980, the county equivalents used in the census included geographic divisions, geographic 

districts, judicial districts/divisions, election districts, and census divisions.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 37 county subdivisions known as census subareas in Alaska. Census subareas were first 

established for the 1980 decennial census. Prior to 1980, the minor civil divisions used for censuses 

included census divisions, boroughs, military reservations, an American Indian reservation, and 

recorder’s or recording districts.

PLACES

Alaska has 355 places; 148 incorporated places and 207 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 144 cities, 3 city and boroughs, and 1 municipality. There is no minimum 

population for incorporation in Alaska. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Alaska has 167 census tracts, 534 block groups, and 45,292 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Alaska had one congressional district. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Alaska continues to have one congressional district as a 

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Alaska has 53 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 20 state senate districts and 40 state house districts in Alaska.

URBAN AREAS

Alaska has 15 urban areas; 2 urbanized areas and 13 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 238 ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) in Alaska.
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CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_02.html

Please note: data are not available for Alaska in years prior to 1960.

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010461° 23′ 60′′ 148° 52′ 26′′

2000461° 17′ 18′′ 148° 43′ 01′′

1990361° 11′ 55′′ 148° 43′ 57′′

1980261° 22′ 11′′ 148° 29′ 07′′

1970161° 08′ 24′′ 148° 58′ 47′′

1960161° 12′ 50′′ 148° 36′ 10′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

3

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Anchorage 

Municipality 291,826

Yukon-Koyukuk Census 

Area 145,504.79

Anchorage 

Municipality 171.2

Place

- Inc 

Place

Anchorage 

Municipality 291,826 Sitka city & borough 2,870.34 Kiana city 1,938.4

- CDP Badger CDP 19,482 Willow CDP 690.90 College CDP 690.3

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas.
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Arizona

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 6,392,017 (16th)

Land Area: 113,594.1 square miles (6th)

Density: 56.3 persons per square mile (33rd)

Capital: Phoenix

Became a State: February 14, 1912 (48th)

Bordering States: California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah

International Border: Mexico

Abbreviation: AZ

ANSI/FIPS Code: 04

HISTORY

The United States acquired most of the area of Arizona from Mexico in 1848. The United States acquired 

additional area, comprising the southern part of Arizona, from Mexico in 1853 as part of the Gadsden 

Purchase. Arizona Territory was organized from the western part of New Mexico Territory on February 24, 

1863. Part of Arizona Territory north and west of the Colorado River was added to the state of Nevada in 

1866, resulting in generally the same boundary as the present state of Arizona. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data are available for Arizona 

beginning with the 1860 census. For an explanation of the revision to the 1860 population of Arizona, see 

Richard L. Forstall, Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: 

U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996, page 14. 

Data for the legally established state of Arizona are available beginning with the 1920 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Arizona has 21 federally recognized American Indian reservations; 4 with associated off-reservation trust 

lands in the state.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Arizona has six metropolitan statistical areas and five micropolitan statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 15 counties in Arizona. Each county is governed by a board of supervisors.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 80 county subdivisions in Arizona. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Arizona for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

include supervisorial districts, election precincts, justice precincts, school districts, land-survey townships, 

and Indian reservations.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

Arizona has 451 places; 90 incorporated places and 361 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 45 cities and 45 towns. The minimum population threshold required for 

incorporation is 1,500. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Arizona has 1,526 tracts, 4,178 block groups, and 241,666 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Arizona had eight congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Arizona has nine congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Arizona has 104 elementary school districts, 15 secondary school districts, and 99 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 30 state senate districts and 30 state house districts in Arizona.

URBAN AREAS

Arizona has 69 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 60 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 408 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Arizona.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_04.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010633° 22′ 06′′ 111° 51′ 52′′

2000633° 22′ 25′′ 111° 49′ 43′′

1990533° 21′ 08′′ 111° 46′ 13′′

1980433° 19′ 29′′ 111° 43′ 06′′

1970333° 17′ 09′′ 111° 41′ 15′′

1960333° 15′ 41′′ 111° 30′ 19′′

1950333° 22′ 11′′ 111° 31′ 55′′

1940233° 20′ 24′′ 111° 49′ 26′′

1930233° 18′ 40′′ 111° 44′ 02′′

1920133° 21′ 03′′ 111° 12′ 55′′

1910133° 24′ 18′′ 110° 59′ 38′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1900133° 34′ 20′′ 111° 15′ 58′′

1890133° 15′ 51′′ 111° 25′ 39′′

1880133° 17′ 36′′ 111° 25′ 32′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Maricopa County 3,817,117 Coconino County 18,618.89 Maricopa County 414.9

Place

- Inc 

Place Phoenix city 1,445,632 Phoenix city 516.70 Guadalupe town 6,833.0

- CDP San Tan Valley CDP 81,321 Valle CDP 243.89 Donovan Estates CDP 12,430.8

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Arkansas

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 2,915,918 (32nd)

Land Area: 52,035.5 square miles (27th)

Density: 56.0 persons per square mile (34th)

Capital: Little Rock

Became a State: June 15, 1836 (25th)

Bordering States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas

Abbreviation: AR

ANSI/FIPS Code: 05

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Arkansas from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 

Arkansas Territory (spelled in the enabling act as Arkansaw) was organized from part of Missouri Territory 

on March 2, 1819, and included the greater part of Oklahoma, west to the 100th meridian. Arkansas 

Territory was reduced in area in 1824 and 1828 to generally assume the boundary of the present state. 

Arkansas was admitted to the Union on June 15, 1836, as the 25th state.

Although the territory had not yet been established, census data are available for Arkansas beginning

with the 1810 census (as part of Louisiana Territory). The 1810 and 1820 populations for Arkansas reflect 

the 1819 boundary of the territory, which included territory now in the state of Oklahoma. The population 

of the entire legally established Louisiana Territory (of which the area of Arkansas was a part) in 1810 

was 20,845.

Data for the legally established state of Arkansas are available beginning with the 1840 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Arkansas has 8 metropolitan statistical areas, 14 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 75 counties in Arkansas. The governing body for each county consists of justices of the peace 

and a county judge.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,271 county subdivisions in Arkansas. There are 1,270 townships which are recognized as 

minor civil divisions (MCDs). Fort Chaffee in Sebastian County is an unorganized territory. All county 

subdivisions in Arkansas are nonfunctioning, nongovernmental entities.

PLACES

Arkansas has 541 places; 502 incorporated places and 39 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 311 cities (minimum population threshold of 500) and 191 towns

(population less than 500). One town and four cities are each coextensive with a single township with the 

same name. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 16 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Arkansas has 686 census tracts, 2,147 block groups, and 186,211 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Arkansas had four congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Arkansas continues to have four congressional districts as 

a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Arkansas has 251 unified school districts. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 35 state senate districts and 100 state house districts in Arkansas.

URBAN AREAS

Arkansas has 72 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 63 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 596 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Arkansas.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_05.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010635° 08′ 33′′ 92° 39′ 19′′

2000635° 04′ 49′′ 92° 34′ 37′′

1990535° 00′ 40′′ 92° 29′ 15′′

1980434° 58′ 18′′ 92° 26′ 03′′

1970334° 54′ 52′′ 92° 21′ 05′′

1960334° 52′ 19′′ 92° 10′ 48′′

1950334° 54′ 54′′ 92° 13′ 43′′

1940234° 57′ 32′′ 92° 26′ 10′′

1930234° 54′ 05′′ 92° 21′ 05′′

1920134° 55′ 14′′ 92° 20′ 48′′

1910134° 55′ 16′′ 92° 25′ 08′′

1900134° 56′ 18′′ 92° 28′ 27′′

1890134° 57′ 35′′ 92° 29′ 41′′

1880134° 55′ 41′′ 92° 30′ 25′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 17 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Pulaski County 382,748 Union County 1,039.21 Pulaski County 503.8

Place

- Inc 

Place Little Rock city 193,524 Little Rock city 119.2 Mitchellville city 2,754.3

- CDP

Hot Springs Village

CDP 12,807

Hot Springs Village

CDP 53.52 Rockwell CDP 1,204.3

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 18 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

California

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 37,253,956 (1st)

Land Area: 155,779.2 square miles (3rd)

Density: 239.1 persons per square mile (11th)

Capital: Sacramento

Became a State: September 9, 1850 (31st)

Bordering States: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon

International Border: Mexico

Abbreviation: CA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 06

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of California from Mexico in 1848, with generally the same boundary 

as the present state. The area of California was never organized as a territory, but was administered from 

1848 to statehood by a federal military authority. California was admitted to the Union on September 9, 

1850, as the 31st state.

Census data for California are available beginning with the 1850 census; however, the data for 1850 are 

incomplete because the questionnaires from Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties were lost and those 

for San Francisco County were destroyed by fire. Some missing 1850 data have been supplanted by 

information obtained from a state census in 1852.

Data for the legally established state of California are available beginning with the 1850 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

California has 108 federally recognized American Indian areas. There are 104 reservations; 28 with offreservation trust land in the state. Two are trust lands only. The remaining two are tribal designated 

statistical areas (TDSAs). 

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

California has 26 metropolitan statistical areas, 9 micropolitan statistical areas, 4 metropolitan divisions, 

and 4 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 58 counties in California. The city and county of San Francisco have consolidated functions 

and is classified as a municipal government that operates primarily as a city. All other counties are each 

governed by a board of supervisors. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 397 county subdivisions in California. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in California for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 19 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

census included election precincts, judicial townships, supervisor’s districts, and one American Indian 

reservation (in 1870). 

PLACES

California has 1,523 places; 480 incorporated places and 1,043 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 459 cities and 21 towns. In California an incorporated place can legally 

exist only in a single county. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

California has 8,057 census tracts, 23,212 block groups, and 710,145 blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), California had 53 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), California continues to have 53 congressional districts as a 

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

California has 548 elementary school districts, 104 secondary school districts, and 335 unified school 

districts. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 40 state senate districts and 80 assembly districts in California.

URBAN AREAS

California has 211 urban areas; 59 urbanized areas and 152 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,769 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in California.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_06.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010635° 27′ 49′′ 119° 19′ 31′′

2000635° 27′ 31′′ 119° 21′ 19′′

1990535° 26′ 35′′ 119° 21′ 44′′

1980435° 28′ 29′′ 119° 26′ 17′′

1970335° 28′ 03′′ 119° 28′ 31′′

1960335° 30′ 13′′ 119° 31′ 13′′

1950335° 44′ 46′′ 119° 39′ 01′′

1940235° 38′ 27′′ 119° 35′ 18′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 20 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1930235° 43′ 12′′ 119° 41′ 06′′

1920136° 20′ 23′′ 120° 10′ 54′′

1910136° 42′ 29′′ 120° 31′ 23′′

1900137° 14′ 26′′ 120° 53′ 11′′

1890137° 25′ 35′′ 121° 02′ 20′′

1880137° 55′ 55′′ 121° 27′ 42′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Los Angeles County 9,818,605

San Bernardino 

County 20,056.94

San Francisco 

County 17,179.2

Place

- Inc 

Place Los Angeles city 3,792,621 Los Angeles city 468.67 Maywood city 23,247.5

- CDP

East Los Angeles 

CDP 126,496

Lucerne Valley 

CDP 105.59 Walnut Park CDP 21,352.0

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 21 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Colorado

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 5,029,196 (22nd)

Land Area: 103,641.9 square miles (8th)

Density: 48.5 persons per square mile (37

th)

Capital: Denver

Became a State: August 1, 1876 (38th)

Bordering States: Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah, 

Wyoming

Abbreviation: CO

ANSI/FIPS Code: 08

HISTORY

The United States acquired part of the area that is now Colorado from France as part of the Louisiana 

Purchase in 1803; part from territory ceded by Mexico in 1848, and part from territory sold to the United 

States by the state of Texas in 1850. Colorado Territory was organized from parts of Kansas, Nebraska, 

New Mexico, and Utah territories on February 28, 1861, with generally the same boundary as the present 

state. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Colorado are available 

beginning with the 1860 census. The 1860 population shown for Colorado is for the portion of Kansas 

Territory that was organized as Colorado Territory. The 1860 population shown for Colorado excludes an 

undetermined number of people enumerated as part of Nebraska and New Mexico territories. The portion 

of present-day Colorado in Utah Territory—the portion west of the Rocky Mountains—was not 

enumerated in 1860. The population of the entire legally established Kansas Territory (of which the 

enumerated area of Colorado was a part) in 1860 was 141,483.

Data for the legally established state of Colorado are available beginning with the 1880 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Colorado has two federally recognized American Indian reservations.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Colorado has seven metropolitan statistical areas, seven micropolitan statistical areas, and one combined 

statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are 64 counties in Colorado. The cities and counties of Broomfield and Denver are consolidated 

city-county governments. They are classified as municipal governments, rather than as county 

governments, because they operate primarily as cities. In each of the remaining 62 counties, the 

governing body is the board of county commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 209 county subdivisions in Colorado. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 22 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

first established in Colorado for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the 

census were election precincts.

PLACES

Colorado has 458 places; 271 incorporated places and 187 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 75 cities and 196 towns. Cities have a minimum population threshold of 

2,000. Towns may be reclassified as cities when they reach the minimum population threshold. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Colorado has 1,249 census tracts, 3,532 block groups, and 201,062 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Colorado had seven congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Colorado continues to have seven congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Colorado has 178 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 35 state senate districts and 65 state house districts in Colorado.

URBAN AREAS

Colorado has 64 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 55 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 526 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Colorado.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_08.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010639° 30′ 48′′ 105° 12′ 29′′

2000639° 30′ 02′′ 105° 12′ 13′′

1990539° 29′ 34′′ 105° 11′ 18′′

1980439° 29′ 11′′ 105° 10′ 52′′

1970339° 26′ 37′′ 105° 07′ 36′′

1960339° 22′ 40′′ 105° 08′ 04′′

1950339° 20′ 32′′ 105° 05′ 57′′

1940239° 13′ 42′′ 105° 05′ 46′′

1930239° 13′ 07′′ 104° 58′ 24′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 23 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1920139° 14′ 53′′ 105° 01′ 24′′

1910139° 11′ 53′′ 105° 11′ 28′′

1900139° 05′ 45′′ 105° 16′ 05′′

1890139° 09′ 52′′ 105° 14′ 10′′

1880139° 05′ 23′′ 105° 32′ 53′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County El Paso County 622,263 Las Animas County 4,772.67 Denver County

 

3,922.6

Place

- Inc 

Place Denver city 600,158 Colorado Springs city 194.54 Glendale city 7,596.8

- CDP Highlands Ranch CDP 96,713 Black Forest CDP 100.65 Sherrelwood CDP 7,530.0

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 24 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Connecticut

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 3,574,097 (29th)

Land Area: 4,842.4 square miles (48th)

Density: 738.1 persons per square mile (4th) 

Capital: Hartford

Became a State: January 9, 1788 (5th)

Bordering States: Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island

Abbreviation: CT

ANSI/FIPS Code: 09

HISTORY

The area of Connecticut was part of the original territory of the United States. It was chartered as a colony 

in 1662. In 1786, it ceded area to the United States’ government that became part of the Northwest 

Territory in 1787. Connecticut ratified the U.S. Constitution on January 9, 1788; it was the fifth of the 

original 13 states to join the Union. Its boundary was generally the same as the present state (excluding 

the Connecticut Western Reserve), although the boundary between Connecticut and Massachusetts was 

changed slightly in 1804.

Census data for Connecticut are available beginning with the 1790 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Connecticut has two federally recognized American Indian area reservations and off-reservation trust 

lands. There are also three state recognized American Indian area reservations. 

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Connecticut has core based statistical areas based on both counties (metropolitan statistical areas, 

micropolitan statistical areas, and combined statistical areas) and county subdivisions (metropolitan New 

England city and town areas (NECTAs), micropolitan NECTAs, and combined NECTAs).

Connecticut has four metropolitan statistical areas, two micropolitan statistical areas, two combined 

statistical areas, eight metropolitan NECTAs, three micropolitan NECTAs, and four combined NECTAs.

COUNTIES

There are eight counties in Connecticut. All counties are non-functioning legal entities. In 1960, 

Connecticut county governments were abolished and county functions were transferred to the state 

government. The former county boundaries were retained for election of county sheriffs and for judicial 

purposes. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 173 county subdivisions in Connecticut known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). These county 

subdivisions serve as the fundamental local subdivision in the state. There are 169 towns and 4 county 

subdivisions not defined that consist solely of water (the portions of counties that extend into Long Island 

Sound). Twenty towns are coextensive with an incorporated place and have a single set of officials. The 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 25 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

remaining 149 towns are actively functioning governmental units. Milford city and Milford town in New 

Haven County governmentally consolidated as the Milford consolidated city. 

PLACES

Connecticut has 142 places; 30 incorporated places and 112 census designated places (CDPs). There is 

one consolidated city, Milford city. The incorporated places consist of 19 cities, 10 boroughs and one 

balance of town representing the portion of the Milford city consolidated city that is outside of the 

incorporated place of Woodmont borough. Incorporated places are dependent within county subdivision. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Connecticut has 833 census tracts, 2,585 block groups, and 67,578 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Connecticut had five congressional districts. 

Beginning with the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Connecticut continues to have five 

congressional districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Connecticut has 44 elementary school districts, 8 secondary school districts, and 115 unified school 

districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 36 state senate districts and 151 state house districts in Connecticut. There is also one state 

house district not defined and one state senate district not defined which are comprised solely of water.

URBAN AREAS

Connecticut has 17 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 8 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 282 ZIP Code tabulation areas in Connecticut.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

The irregularity of the boundary in southwestern Connecticut where it abuts New York State, called the 

Connecticut Panhandle, is the result of territorial disputes in the late 17th century. New York gave up its 

claim to this area in exchange for an equivalent area extending northwards from Ridgefield, Connecticut 

to the Massachusetts border and an undisputed claim to Rye, New York. The two British colonies 

negotiated an agreement in November 1683 establishing the New York-Connecticut border as 20 miles 

east of the Hudson River, north to Massachusetts.

CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_09.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010641° 29′ 49′′ 72° 52′ 13′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 26 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2000641° 29′ 41′′ 72° 52′ 28′′

1990541° 29′ 49′′ 72° 52′ 10′′

1980441° 29′ 26′′ 72° 52′ 34′′

1970341° 29′ 17′′ 72° 52′ 38′′

1960341° 32′ 11′′ 72° 53′ 00′′

1950341° 30′ 33′′ 72° 52′ 57′′

1940241° 32′ 12′′ 72° 53′ 29′′

1930241° 32′ 11′′ 72° 53′ 22′′

1920141° 30′ 08′′ 72° 51′ 47′′

1910141° 30′ 54′′ 72° 50′ 20′′

1900141° 31′ 23′′ 72° 49′ 06′′

1890141° 31′ 41′′ 72° 48′ 00′′

1880141° 32′ 49′′ 72° 46′ 21′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Fairfield County 916,829 Litchfield County 920.56 Fairfield County 1,467.2

Place

- Inc Place Bridgeport city 144,229 Danbury city 41.89 Bridgeport city 9,029.0

- CDP West Hartford CDP 63,268 Trumbull CDP 23.32 Pemberwick CDP 5,442.3

Town

Bridgeport town, 

Fairfield County 144,229

New Milford town, 

Litchfield County 61.57

Bridgeport town, 

Fairfield County 9,029.0
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 27 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 28 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Delaware

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 897,934 (45th)

Land Area: 1,948.5 square miles (49th)

Density: 460.8 persons per square mile (6th)

Capital: Dover

Became a State: December 7, 1787 (1st)

Bordering States: Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania

Abbreviation: DE

ANSI/FIPS Code: 10

HISTORY

The area of Delaware was part of the original territory of the United States. Included in the grant to 

William Penn, the Three Lower Counties (Delaware) were annexed as part of the grant establishing the 

Province of Pennsylvania in 1683. The counties were granted a separate charter providing semiautonomy in 1701, with generally the same boundary as the present state. In 1776, Delaware declared 

itself a separate government. Delaware ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787; it was the first 

of the original 13 states to join the Union.

Census data for Delaware are available beginning with the 1790 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Delaware has two state designated tribal statistical areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Delaware has two metropolitan statistical areas, one micropolitan statistical area, one metropolitan 

division, and one combined statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are three counties in Delaware. Kent County’s governing body is the levy court. New Castle and 

Sussex counties’ are each governed by a county council.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 27 county subdivisions in Delaware. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Delaware for the 1970 census. Prior to 1970, the minor civil divisions used in the 

census included (State) representative districts and hundreds.

PLACES

Delaware has 78 places; 57 incorporated places and 19 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 10 cities, 44 towns, and 3 villages.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Delaware has 218 census tracts, 574 block groups, and 24,115 census blocks.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 29 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Delaware had one congressional district. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Delaware continues to have one congressional district as a 

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Delaware has 16 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 21 state senate districts and 41 state house districts in Delaware. 

URBAN AREAS

Delaware has 14 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 11 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 68 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Delaware. 

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

The northern boundary between the State of Delaware and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is known

as the Twelve-Mile Circle. The boundary is a circular arc forming a twelve-mile radius centered at the 

cupola of the courthouse in the town of New Castle, DE.

CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_10.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010639° 21′ 32′′ 75° 33′ 25′′

2000639° 23′ 50′′ 75° 33′ 43′′

1990539° 26′ 01′′ 75° 33′ 59′′

1980439° 26′ 42′′ 75° 33′ 49′′

1970339° 28′ 44′′ 75° 33′ 33′′

1960339° 27′ 51′′ 75° 33′ 03′′

1950339° 24′ 43′′ 75° 33′ 14′′

1940239° 20′ 09′′ 75° 32′ 60′′

1930239° 20′ 21′′ 75° 33′ 04′′

1920139° 25′ 14′′ 75° 32′ 09′′

1910139° 11′ 49′′ 75° 35′ 06′′

1900139° 11′ 35′′ 75° 35′ 09′′

1890139° 11′ 09′′ 75° 35′ 36′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 30 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

1880139° 09′ 50′′ 75° 35′ 30′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

New Castle

County

538,479 Sussex County 936.08 New Castle

County

1,263.2

Place

- Inc Place Wilmington city 70,851 Dover city 23.15 Bellefonte town 6,732.1

- CDP

Bear CDP 19,371 Hockessin CDP 10.04 Wilmington Manor

CDP

5,075.0
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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District of Columbia

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 601,723

Land Area: 61.1 square miles

Density: 9,856.5 persons per square mile

Bordering States: Maryland, Virginia

Abbreviation: DC

ANSI/FIPS Code: 11

HISTORY

The area of the District of Columbia was part of the original territory of the United States. The District of 

Columbia was formed from territory ceded by Maryland and Virginia in 1788, and was established in 

accordance with Acts of Congress passed in 1790 and 1791. Its boundary, a square ten miles on a side 

with vertices at the cardinal points to resemble a diamond, was established on March 30, 1791, and 

included all of the territory within present-day Arlington County, Virginia, and part of Alexandria city, 

Virginia. The portion south of the Potomac River was retroceded to Virginia in 1846. 

Census data for the District of Columbia are available beginning with the 1800 census. The population 

shown for the District of Columbia from 1800 to 1840 does not include the portion of Virginia legally 

included in the district at the time of those censuses. The population of the District of Columbia as legally 

existent in those censuses is: 43,712 in 1840; 39,834 in 1830; 33,039 in 1820; 24,023 in 1810; and 

14,093 in 1800. Congress abolished the original county (Washington County) and incorporated places 

(Georgetown and Washington cities) in the District of Columbia in 1871, but later reestablished the city of 

Washington. The Census Bureau continued to recognize the boundaries of the previously existing areas 

for the 1880 and 1890 censuses. Congress has treated the District of Columbia as coextensive with 

Washington city since 1895.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

The District of Columbia is part of one metropolitan statistical area, one metropolitan division, and one

combined statistical area.

COUNTIES

The District of Columbia does not contain any counties, but it is considered a county equivalent for the 

purposes of data presentation.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are no county subdivisions in the District of Columbia, but it is considered a county subdivision 

equivalent for the purposes of data presentation.

PLACES

The District of Columbia has one city, Washington, which is coextensive with the District of Columbia. 

Washington city governmentally consolidated with the District of Columbia in 1874, which is a functioning 

government at the equivalent of the state level.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

The District of Columbia has 179 census tracts, 450 block groups, and 6,507 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

The District of Columbia has a delegate district (at large), with one non-voting delegate.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

There is one unified school district in the District of Columbia.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are eight wards in the District of Columbia which are represented by the Census Bureau as state 

legislative districts – upper chamber because the District of Columbia has a single council government.

URBAN AREAS

District of Columbia has 1 urban area; 1 urbanized area and 0 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 53 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in the District of Columbia.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_11.html

Please note: data for the District of Columbia are not available for years prior to 1930.

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010538° 54′ 37′′ 77° 00′ 52′′

2000538° 54′ 36′′ 77° 00′ 50′′

1990438° 54′ 31′′ 77° 00′ 43′′

1980338° 54′ 27′′ 77° 00′ 32′′

1970238° 54′ 22′′ 77° 00′ 29′′

1960238° 54′ 23′′ 77° 01′ 00′′

1950238° 53′ 51′′ 77° 00′ 33′′

1940138° 53′ 27′′ 77° 00′ 60′′

1930138° 53′ 27′′ 77° 00′ 60′′

1

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

2

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

3

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 33 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County District of Columbia 601,723 District of Columbia 61.05 District of Columbia

 

9,856.5

Place

- Inc

Place Washington city 601,723 Washington city 61.05 Washington city

 

9,856.5

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 34 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Florida

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 18,801,310 (4th)

Land Area: 53,624.8 square miles (26th)

Density: 350.6 persons per square mile (8th)

Capital: Tallahassee

Became a State: March 3, 1845 (27th)

Bordering States: Alabama, Georgia

Abbreviation: FL

ANSI/FIPS Code: 12

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Florida from Spain in 1819, although the area was not formally 

transferred until 1821. Florida Territory was organized on March 30, 1822, with generally the same 

boundary as the present state. Florida was admitted to the Union on March 3, 1845, as the 27th state.

Census data for Florida are available beginning with the 1830 census.

Data for the legally established state of Florida are available beginning with the 1850 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Florida has 10 federally recognized American Indian areas. There are seven reservations, one with 

associated off-reservation trust land. Two areas consist of trust lands only. There is also one offreservation trust land associated with a reservation in Alabama.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Florida has 20 metropolitan statistical areas, 10 micropolitan statistical areas, 3 metropolitan divisions, 

and 3 combined statistical areas. 

COUNTIES

There are 67 counties in Florida. With the exception of Duval County, each county is governed by a board 

of county commissioners. Duval County does not function as a separate governmental unit; its 

governmental functions are administered by the city of Jacksonville. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 316 county subdivisions in Florida. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Florida for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

included election precincts, polling places, and (county) commissioners’ districts.

PLACES

Florida has 920 places; 411 incorporated places and 509 census designated places. The incorporated 

places consist of 268 cities, 124 towns, and 19 villages. The minimum population to incorporate in 

Florida is 1,500 except in counties with a population of 50,000 or more, where the minimum population is 

5,000. The minimum population density per acre required for incorporation, unless extraordinary 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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conditions can be shown, is 1.5 people per acre, and the new entity must be at least two miles from the 

boundary of an existing incorporated place. 

CENSUS TRACT/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Florida has 4,245 census tracts, 11,442 block groups, and 484,481 blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Florida had 25 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Florida has 27 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Florida has 67 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 40 state senate districts and 120 state house districts in Florida.

URBAN AREAS

Florida has 104 urban areas; 30 urbanized areas and 74 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 983 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Florida.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_12.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010627° 49′ 22′′ 81° 38′ 05′′

2000627° 47′ 45′′ 81° 38′ 05′′

1990527° 47′ 60′′ 81° 39′ 10′′

1980427° 47′ 41′′ 81° 40′ 25′′

1970327° 51′ 49′′ 81° 43′ 32′′

1960328° 06′ 05′′ 81° 39′ 30′′

1950328° 15′ 09′′ 82° 05′ 47′′

1940228° 28′ 29′′ 82° 15′ 19′′

1930228° 40′ 23′′ 82° 23′ 05′′

1920129° 04′ 36′′ 82° 46′ 42′′

1910129° 19′ 30′′ 83° 00′ 32′′

1900129° 28′ 40′′ 83° 07′ 19′′

1890129° 29′ 15′′ 83° 03′ 28′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 36 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

1880129° 43′ 40′′ 83° 17′ 00′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Miami-Dade County 2,496,435 Collier County 1,998.32 Pinellas County 3,347.5

Place

- Inc 

Place Jacksonville city 821,784 Jacksonville city 747.00

Sunny Isles Beach 

city 20,518.9

- CDP Brandon CDP 103,483 Lehigh Acres CDP 92.56

Fountainebleau 

CDP 14,030.5

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 37 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Georgia

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 9,687,653 (9th)

Land Area: 57,513.5 square miles (21st)

Density: 168.4 persons per square mile (18th)

Capital: Atlanta

Became a State: January 2, 1788 (4th)

Bordering States: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee

Abbreviation: GA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 13

HISTORY

The area of Georgia was part of the original territory of the United States. It was chartered as a colony in 

1732. Georgia ratified the U.S. Constitution on January 2, 1788; it was the fourth of the original 13 states 

to join the Union. At that time, Georgia included territory that extended westward to the Mississippi River 

and now makes up most of Alabama and Mississippi. The territory west of the present state boundary 

was added to Mississippi Territory when Georgia ceded to the United States its claims to the territory in 

1802. As part of this cession, Georgia obtained part of the South Carolina cession of 1787 from the 

federal government along its northern boundary. These changes left Georgia with generally the same 

boundary as the present state.

Census data for Georgia are available beginning with the 1790 census. No population was reported in 

1790 for the portion of Georgia now within Alabama and Mississippi. The 1800 population shown for 

Georgia includes population in the territory that is now part of Alabama and Mississippi. For an 

explanation of the revision to the 1810 population of Georgia, see Richard L. Forstall, Population of 

States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 

1996, page 40.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Georgia has one state recognized American Indian reservation.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Georgia has 15 metropolitan statistical areas, 24 micropolitan statistical areas, and 5 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 159 counties in Georgia. Six counties are not considered to be functioning because each has 

consolidated its services with an incorporated place. Clarke County is served by the unified government 

of Athens-Clarke County. Richmond County is served by the consolidated government of AugustaRichmond County. Chattahoochee county and the former Cusseta city consolidated to form the 

consolidated government of Cusseta-Chattahoochee County and is classified as a municipal government. 

Columbus city and Muscogee County consolidated to form the consolidated government of Columbus 

and is classified as a municipal government. Quitman county and the former Georgetown city 

consolidated and renamed to form the “unified government” of Georgetown-Quitman County (place). 

Webster County Unified Government consolidated with Webster County and renamed to form the “unified 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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government” of Webster County (place). Each county has a county government except for 

Chattahoochee, Clarke, Muscogee, Quitman, and Richmond counties.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 586 county subdivisions in Georgia. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs in 

Georgia were first established for the 1960 census. Prior to the 1960 census, militia districts were used 

as county subdivisions.

PLACES

Georgia has 624 places; 535 incorporated places and 89 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 425 cities, 105 towns, 2 balances of county representing the portion of the 

consolidated cities that are outside of other incorporated places (Athens-Clarke County unified 

government and the Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government), and 3 city-county unified 

governments (Georgetown-Quitman County, Cusseta-Chattahoochee County, and Webster County). 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Georgia has 1,969 census tracts, 5,533 block groups, and 291,086 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Georgia had 13 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Georgia has 14 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Georgia has 1 elementary school district, 2 secondary school districts, and 182 unified school districts. 

The Department of Defense runs one elementary school district and two unified school districts in 

Georgia. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 56 state senate districts and 180 state house districts in Georgia.

URBAN AREAS

Georgia has 123 urban areas; 16 urbanized areas and 107 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 735 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Georgia. 

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_13.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010633° 22′ 37′′ 83° 52′ 58′′

2000633° 19′ 56′′ 83° 52′ 08′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 39 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1990533° 15′ 35′′ 83° 50′ 00′′

1980433° 11′ 12′′ 83° 48′ 36′′

1970333° 08′ 52′′ 83° 48′ 13′′

1960333° 03′ 42′′ 83° 45′ 28′′

1950333° 00′ 23′′ 83° 42′ 46′′

1940232° 58′ 31′′ 83° 41′ 23′′

1930232° 56′ 11′′ 83° 39′ 13′′

1920132° 54′ 17′′ 83° 36′ 32′′

1910132° 54′ 25′′ 83° 37′ 08′′

1900132° 56′ 38′′ 83° 38′ 24′′

1890133° 00′ 00′′ 83° 40′ 17′′

1880133° 02′ 04′′ 83° 42′ 00′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Fulton County 920,581 Ware County 892.46 DeKalb County 2,585.7

Place

- Inc 

Place Atlanta city 420,003

Augusta-Richmond County 

consolidated government 

(balance) 302.47 Clarkston city 6,958.3

- CDP

North Atlanta

CDP 40,456 Evans CDP 25.27

North Atlanta

CDP 5,298.4
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 41 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Hawaii

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,360,301 (40th)

Land Area: 6,422.6 square miles (47th)

Density: 211.8 persons per square mile (13th)

Capital: Honolulu

Became a State: August 21, 1959 (50th)

Abbreviation: HI

ANSI/FIPS Code: 15

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Hawaii through annexation of the Republic of Hawaii on July 7, 

1898. Hawaii was officially organized as a territory of the United States on June 14, 1900, with generally 

the same boundary as the present state. Hawaii was admitted to the Union on August 21, 1959, as the 

50th state.

Census data for Hawaii are available beginning with the 1900 census. The 1910 through 1930

populations do not include Midway Islands, and the 1940 population does not include Baker Island, 

Canton Island, Enderbury Island, Howland Island, Jarvis Island, Johnston Atoll, and Midway Islands 

which were enumerated as part of Hawaii Territory even though not legally part of the territory. The 1940 

population does include Palmyra Atoll (administratively named Palmyra Island), which was legally part of 

Hawaii Territory since its organization, but separated from Hawaii upon statehood. (Palmyra Atoll had no

population in any other census.) Canton Island and Enderbury Island are now part of the Republic of 

Kiribati. The other islands and atolls, which are under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior or the 

Department of Defense, are part of the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands. For the 1930, 1940, 1950, and 1970 

censuses, the population and housing unit data for Kalawao County were included in Maui County. The 

population and housing unit counts for Kalawao County shown as Kalawao division (CCD) in 1970 was 

172 population and 0 (zero) housing units (there are no housing units because the residents were 

classified as living in a medical facility). The adjusted population for Maui County (including Kalawao 

County) in 1970 is 45,984. The validity of the urban population reported in Hawaii for 1900, 1910, and 

1920 is limited because a place population of 2,500 was required to classify territory as urban, and the 

Census Bureau did not consistently identify places in Hawaii before 1930.

Data for the legally established state of Hawaii are available beginning with the 1960 census.

NATIVE HAWAIIAN AREAS

There are 75 Hawaiian home lands in the state of Hawaii. Hawaiian home lands are unique to Hawaii 

and are lands held in trust for Native Hawaiians by the state, pursuant to the Hawaiian Homes 

Commission Act of 1920, as amended. 

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Hawaii has one metropolitan statistical area and three micropolitan statistical areas.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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COUNTIES

Hawaii has five counties. Kalawao County, a former leper colony and now a national historic landmark, 

does not function as a governmental unit and is administered by the State Department of Health. 

Honolulu County and city are governmentally consolidated, but through agreement with the State of 

Hawaii, the Census Bureau does not recognize the city for statistical purposes.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 44 county subdivisions in Hawaii. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Hawaii for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

included election districts, voting precincts, and judicial districts.

PLACES

Hawaii has 151 places; all are census designated places (CDPs). Hawaii is the only state that has no 

incorporated places recognized by the Census Bureau. In agreement with the state, the legal 

consolidation of Honolulu County and city is not recognized for census purposes except for the Census of 

Governments.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Hawaii has 351 census tracts, 875 block groups, and 25,016 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Hawaii had two congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Hawaii continues to have two congressional districts as a

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Hawaii has one unified school district, covering the entire state and administered by the Hawaii 

Department of Education. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 25 state senate districts and 51 state house districts in Hawaii. There is one state house 

district and one state senate district not defined which are comprised solely of water area.

URBAN AREAS

Hawaii has 23 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 20 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 94 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Hawaii. 

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

The State of Hawaii is composed of seven main inhabited islands—Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu, 

Kauai, and Niihau--and several smaller uninhabited islands along with the northwestern Hawaiian Islands. 

The northwestern Hawaiian Islands are part of the City and County of Honolulu, except for the Midway 

Islands, which are under the control of the Federal Government and are not part of the state.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Hawaii is the most isolated population center on Earth. It is 2,390 miles (3,850 km) from California, 3,850 

miles (6,195 km) from Japan and 4,900 miles (7,885 km) from China.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_15.html

Please note: data are not available for Hawaii prior to 1930 or for 1950.

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010521° 06′ 55′′ 157° 29′ 04′′

2000521° 08′ 48′′ 157° 31′ 28′′

1990421° 10′ 34′′ 157° 34′ 14′′

1980321° 12′ 04′′ 157° 36′ 45′′

1970221° 13′ 38′′ 157° 39′ 20′′

1960221° 12′ 50′′ 157° 37′ 03′′

19502not available not available

1940121° 07′ 19′′ 157° 30′ 10′′

1930121° 04′ 09′′ 157° 26′ 00′′

1

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

2

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Honolulu

County 953,207 Hawaii County 4,028.42 Honolulu County 1,586.7

Place

- CDP

Urban 

Honolulu

CDP 337,256

Urban Honolulu

CDP 60.52 Waipahu CDP 13,669.7
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 45 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Idaho

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,567,582 (39th)

Land Area: 82,643.12 square miles (11th)

Density: 19 persons per square mile (44th)

Capital: Boise

Became a State: July 3, 1890 (43rd)

Bordering States: Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: ID

ANSI/FIPS Code: 16

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The United States acquired the area of Idaho through a treaty with Great Britain in 1846. Idaho Territory 

was organized from parts of Dakota, Nebraska, and Washington territories on March 3, 1863, and 

included parts of present-day Montana and Wyoming. Its area was reduced in 1864 by the organization of 

Montana Territory and again in 1868 by the organization of Wyoming Territory, to generally the same 

boundary as the present state. Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state.

Census data for Idaho are available beginning with the 1870 census. The portion of Yellowstone National 

Park in Idaho was probably enumerated as part of Wyoming from 1880 to 1910. The area was shown as 

a separate county equivalent in the census reports for Idaho from 1920 to 1960. The portion of the park in 

Idaho was legally added to Fremont County before the 1970 census.

Data for the legally established state of Idaho are available beginning with the 1900 census. The census 

day for the 1890 census was June 2, 1890.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Idaho has five federally recognized American Indian reservations; two with associated off-reservation 

trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Idaho has six metropolitan statistical areas, eight micropolitan statistical areas, and one combined 

statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are 44 counties in Idaho. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a 

board of commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 170 county subdivisions in Idaho. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Idaho for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used for the census 

included election precincts, land-survey townships, and Indian reservations.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 46 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

PLACES

Idaho has 227 places; 201 incorporated places and 26 census designated places. The incorporated 

places are all cities. Lost River city is governmentally inactive. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

There are 298 census tracts, 963 block groups, and 149,842 census blocks in Idaho.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Idaho had two congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Idaho continues to have two congressional districts as a

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Idaho has 115 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 35 state senate districts and 35 state house districts in Idaho.

URBAN AREAS

Idaho has 43 urban areas; 6 urbanized areas and 37 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 285 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Idaho.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

A portion of Yellowstone National Park is located in Fremont County. The remainder of the park is located 

in Montana and Wyoming. Prior to the 1970 census, Yellowstone National Park was an entity separate 

from any county government.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_16.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010644° 13′ 07′′ 115° 10′ 43′′

2000644° 14′ 33′′ 115° 07′ 60′′

1990544° 12′ 15′′ 114° 58′ 14′′

1980444° 12′ 26′′ 114° 56′ 09′′

1970344° 12′ 00′′ 114° 49′ 57′′

1960344° 10′ 33′′ 114° 49′ 35′′

1950344° 11′ 57′′ 114° 46′ 01′′

1940244° 15′ 27′′ 114° 42′ 13′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 47 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1930244° 16′ 46′′ 114° 38′ 24′′

1920144° 14′ 12′′ 114° 35′ 17′′

1910144° 30′ 50′′ 114° 47′ 38′′

1900144° 36′ 14′′ 114° 37′ 19′′

1890144° 12′ 41′′ 114° 27′ 33′′

1880143° 59′ 34′′ 114° 24′ 04′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Ada County 392,365 Idaho County 8,477.35 Ada County 372.8

Place

- Inc 

Place Boise city 205,671 Boise city 79.36 Moscow city 3,473.9

- CDP Lincoln CDP 3,647 Fort Hall CDP 35.06 Lincoln CDP 2,490.1

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 48 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Illinois

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 12,830,632 (5th)

Land Area: 55,518.9 square miles (24th)

Density: 231.1 persons per square mile (12th)

Capital: Springfield

Became a State: December 3, 1818 (21st)

Bordering States: Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin

Abbreviation: IL

ANSI/FIPS Code: 17

HISTORY

The area of Illinois was part of the original territory of the United States, being part of lands ceded by four 

states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the River Ohio.” Illinois 

Territory was organized on February 3, 1809, from the western part of Indiana Territory, and included all 

of present-day Illinois, most of Wisconsin, the western part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and 

northeastern Minnesota. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Illinois are available beginning 

with the 1800 census. The 1810 population is for the entire area of the Illinois Territory, including territory 

not in the present state. For an explanation of the revision to the 1800 population of Illinois, see Richard 

L. Forstall, Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: U.S. 

Government Printing Office, 1996, page 48.

Data for the legally established state of Illinois are available beginning with the 1820 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Illinois has 12 metropolitan statistical areas, 22 micropolitan statistical areas, 2 metropolitan divisions, and 

7 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 102 counties in Illinois. All counties are functioning governmental units; each is governed by a 

board with between 5 and 29 members.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,710 county subdivisions in Illinois known as minor civil divisions (MCDs); 85 counties have 

functioning, but not necessarily active, townships and 17 counties have nonfunctioning election precincts. 

There are 1,432 townships and 274 election precincts. Chicago city is independent of any MCD and 

serves as an MCD equivalent in two counties, creating two county subdivisions. There are also two 

undefined MCDs that cover the Illinois portion of Lake Michigan. Alexander, Calhoun, Edwards, Hardin, 

Johnson, Massac, Menard, Monroe, Morgan, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Scott, Union, Wabash, and 

Williamson counties have election precincts. All other counties have townships. The governing body for 

each township is an elected township supervisor and a board of trustees.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 49 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

PLACES

Illinois has 1,367 places, 1,299 incorporated places and 68 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 300 cities, 16 towns, and 983 villages. The minimum population to 

incorporate as a city is 2,500. For a village the minimum population for incorporation ranges from 200 (in 

counties with a population less than 150,000) to 2,500. Incorporated places are dependent within county 

subdivision with the following exceptions:

Independent of any township

o Chicago city

Coextensive with a single township

o Alton

o Belleville

o Berwyn

o Bloomington

o Champaign

o Cicero

o East St. Louis

o Evanston

o Freeport

o Galesburg

o Godfrey

o Macomb

o Oak Park

o Quincy

o River Forest

o Urbana

o Warsaw

o Zion

Coextensive with a single precinct

o Cairo

o Golconda

o Valmeyer

Coextensive with multiple whole precincts

o Jacksonville

o South Jacksonville

o Waterloo

Coextensive with one more precincts in Monroe County, but also has part of one township in St. 

Clair County

o Columbia city

o Hecker village

Contain one or more whole precincts and parts of others

o Du Quion

o Metropolis

o Petersburg

o Pinckneyville

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Illinois has 3,123 census tracts, 9,691 block groups, and 451,554 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Illinois had 19 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Illinois has 18 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 50 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

There are 379 elementary school districts, 104 secondary school districts, and 389 unified school districts 

in Illinois. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 59 state senate districts and 118 state house districts in Illinois. There is also one state house 

district undefined and one state senate district undefined each comprising the portion of Illinois in Lake 

Michigan.

URBAN AREAS

Illinois has 158 urban areas; 19 urbanized areas and 139 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,384 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Illinois. 

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_17.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010641° 17′ 12′′ 88° 23′ 25′′

2000641° 16′ 42′′ 88° 22′ 49′′

1990541° 14′ 03′′ 88° 23′ 46′′

1980441° 12′ 27′′ 88° 24′ 25′′

1970341° 13′ 03′′ 88° 23′ 12′′

1960341° 10′ 52′′ 88° 22′ 57′′

1950341° 06′ 37′′ 88° 23′ 35′′

1940241° 01′ 33′′ 88° 31′ 38′′

1930241° 02′ 04′′ 88° 31′ 13′′

1920140° 56′ 45′′ 88° 29′ 01′′

1910140° 51′ 29′′ 88° 33′ 18′′

1900140° 46′ 48′′ 88° 37′ 12′′

1890140° 39′ 14′′ 88° 44′ 34′′

1880140° 26′ 47′′ 88° 57′ 44′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Cook County 5,194,675 McLean

County

1,183.38 Cook County 5,495.1

Place

- Inc 

Place

Chicago city 2,695,598 Chicago city 227.63 Berwyn city 14,508.8

- CDP

Gages Lake

CDP

10,198 The Galena 

Territory

CDP

11.38 Boulder Hill

CDP

5,647.3

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 52 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Indiana

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 6,483,802 (15th)

Land Area: 35,826.1 square miles (38th)

Density: 181.0 persons per square mile (16th)

Capital: Indianapolis

Became a State: December 11, 1816 (19th)

Bordering States: Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio

Abbreviation: IN

ANSI/FIPS Code: 18

HISTORY

The area of Indiana was part of the original territory of the United States, being part of lands ceded by 

four states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the River Ohio.”

Indiana Territory was organized on May 7, 1800, from the western part of the Northwest Territory; it 

included all of present-day Illinois, nearly all of Indiana and Wisconsin, the western part of the Upper 

Peninsula of Michigan, and northeastern Minnesota. Indiana Territory was greatly reduced by the 

organization of Michigan Territory in 1805 and Illinois Territory in 1809. Indiana Territory was increased in 

1816 by the addition of a strip of land that set the northern boundary between Indiana and Michigan 

territories and was reduced by relinquishing territory in the Upper Peninsula to Michigan Territory. Indiana 

was admitted to the Union on June 29, 1816, as the 19th state, with generally the same boundary as the 

present state.

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Indiana are available

beginning with the 1800 census. The 1810 population includes a small population in territory now within 

Michigan (most of this area was not enumerated, being primarily unceded American Indian lands). For an 

explanation of the revision to the 1800 population of Indiana, see Richard L. Forstall, Population of States 

and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996, 

page 52.

Data for the legally established state of Indiana are available beginning with the 1820 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Indiana has 16 metropolitan statistical areas, 25 micropolitan statistical areas, 1 metropolitan division, and 

8 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 92 counties in Indiana. Marion County does not function as a separate governmental unit; it 

consolidated governmental functions with Indianapolis city on January 1, 1970 but they are not 

coextensive. The governing body in each of the other counties is a board of commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVSIONS

There are 1,011 county subdivisions in Indiana known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,008 

townships which are functioning, but not necessarily active, governmental units. There is one 

unorganized territory, Camp Atterbury in Bartholomew County, and two county subdivisions not defined, 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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each comprised of the portions of Lake Michigan within Indiana. Each active and functioning MCD is

governed by a board of trustees.

PLACES

Indiana has 681 places; 568 incorporated places and 113 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 117 cities, 450 towns, and one balance of place representing the portion of 

the Indianapolis consolidated city that is outside of the incorporated municipalities. Indianapolis city 

consolidated governmental functions with Marion County to become a consolidated city comprised of the 

portion of Marion County (including 12 municipalities) outside the incorporated places of Beech Grove, 

Lawrence, Southport, and Speedway. 

Cities in Indiana are separated into classes based on population:

Class Population

First class Cities 250,000 or greater

Second class cities 35,000 to 249,999

Third class cities Less than 34,999

Cities must have a minimum population of 2,001. Towns are established as those incorporated places 

having fewer than 2,000 people. Provision is made for towns with a population of more than 2,000 to 

become cities by petition of voters and a referendum. However, some places having a population more 

than 2,000 still are classified as towns because they have not held the election necessary to become a 

city (for example, the town of Speedway).

Incorporated places are dependent within county subdivision with the exception of Indianapolis city and 

Terre Haute city.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Indiana has 1,511 census tracts, 4,814 block groups, and 267,071 blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Indiana had nine congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Indiana continues to have nine congressional districts as a

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Indiana has 294 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 50 state senate districts and 100 state house districts in Indiana.

URBAN AREAS

Indiana has 113 urban areas; 16 urbanized areas and 97 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 776 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Indiana.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_18.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010640° 08′ 57′′ 86° 15′ 34′′

2000640° 09′ 50′′ 86° 15′ 41′′

1990540° 10′ 06′′ 86° 16′ 15′′

1980440° 10′ 33′′ 86° 17′ 01′′

1970340° 11′ 48′′ 86° 17′ 30′′

1960340° 11′ 50′′ 86° 18′ 55′′

1950340° 07′ 17′′ 86° 18′ 47′′

1940240° 05′ 06′′ 86° 18′ 52′′

1930240° 04′ 53′′ 86° 18′ 42′′

1920140° 00′ 14′′ 86° 17′ 16′′

1910139° 56′ 49′′ 86° 15′ 47′′

1900139° 54′ 36′′ 86° 14′ 03′′

1890139° 52′ 53′′ 86° 14′ 16′′

1880139° 51′ 33′′ 86° 13′ 26′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles) Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Marion County 903,393 Allen County 657.31 Marion County 2,279.6

Place

- Inc 

Place

Indianapolis city 

(balance) 820,445 Indianapolis city (balance) 361.43 West Lafayette city 3,886.4

- CDP Granger CDP 30,465 Granger CDP 25.57 Purdue University CDP 9,389.0
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 56 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Iowa

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 3,046,355 (30th) 

Land Area: 55,857.1 square miles (23rd) 

Density: 54.5 persons per square mile (36th)

Capital: Des Moines

Became a State: December 28, 1846 (29th)

Bordering States: Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, 

Wisconsin

Abbreviation: IA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 19

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Iowa from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. Iowa 

Territory was organized on June 12, 1838, from part of Wisconsin Territory; it included all of present-day 

Iowa, the eastern part of North Dakota and South Dakota, and the western part of Minnesota. Iowa was 

admitted to the Union on December 28, 1846, as the 29th state with generally the same boundary as the 

present state. The remaining part of the territory was unattached until the organization of Minnesota 

Territory in 1849. Nebraska and Iowa have made periodic adjustments to their boundary as the Missouri 

River has changed its course.

Census data for Iowa are available beginning with the 1840 census. The 1840 population includes the 

portion of Iowa Territory in present-day Minnesota west of the Mississippi River and a line drawn from its 

source northward to the Canadian boundary.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Iowa has four federally recognized American Indian areas. There are three reservations and one trust 

land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Iowa has 9 metropolitan statistical areas, 15 micropolitan statistical areas, and 4 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 99 counties in Iowa. All counties in Iowa are functioning governmental units; each governed by 

a county board of supervisors.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,661 county subdivisions in Iowa known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,598 

townships. There are 59 cities that are independent of any MCD and one city (Tabor) that is partially 

independent of any MCD creating 62 county subdivisions. There is also one unorganized territory 

(reservoir property in Polk County). 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Iowa township officials have minimal powers and are under the fiscal authority of the county. These 

townships, by agreement with the state, are classified as nonfunctioning MCDs by the Census Bureau. 

The governing body for each township is the board of township trustees.

PLACES

Iowa has 1,009 places; 947 incorporated places and 62 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places are all cities. There are 887 incorporated places that are dependent within county 

subdivisions. Fifty-two cities are legally coextensive with county subdivisions, eight cities are 

independent of any township, and one city (Tabor) is independent of any township in Fremont County and 

dependent in Mills County.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Iowa has 825 census tracts, 2,630 block groups, and 216,007 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2011- January 2013) Iowa had five congressional districts. For the 113th

Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Iowa continues to have five congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Iowa has 364 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 50 state senate districts and 100 state house districts in Iowa.

URBAN AREAS

Iowa has 99 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 90 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 935 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Iowa.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_19.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010641° 56′ 46′′ 93° 02′ 12′′

2000641° 57′ 37′′ 93° 02′ 57′′

1990541° 58′ 18′′ 93° 03′ 16′′

1980441° 59′ 10′′ 93° 03′ 30′′

1970341° 59′ 46′′ 93° 05′ 14′′

1960341° 59′ 33′′ 93° 07′ 58′′

1950341° 59′ 46′′ 93° 12′ 44′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1940242° 00′ 08′′ 93° 16′ 40′′

1930241° 59′ 22′′ 93° 18′ 21′′

1920141° 58′ 45′′ 93° 17′ 43′′

1910141° 57′ 43′′ 93° 15′ 18′′

1900141° 55′ 45′′ 93° 15′ 11′′

1890141° 56′ 02′′ 92° 58′ 43′′

1880141° 51′ 40′′ 92° 56′ 53′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Polk County 430,640 Kossuth County 972.72 Polk County 750.5

Place

- Inc 

Place Des Moines city 203,433 Des Moines city 80.87

University 

Heights city 3,917.0

- CDP Saylorville CDP 3,301 Saylorville CDP 7.04 Park View CDP

 

2,259.2

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 59 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Kansas

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 2,853,118 (33rd)

Land Area: 81,758.7 square miles (13th)

Density: 34.9 persons per square mile (40th)

Capital: Topeka

Became a State: January 29, 1861 (34th)

Bordering States: Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma

Abbreviation: KS

ANSI/FIPS Code: 20

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Kansas from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase. 

Part of the area was subsequently relinquished in a treaty with Spain in 1819, and was reacquired as part 

of the annexation of Texas in 1845. Kansas Territory was organized on May 30, 1854, from Missouri 

Territory (also identified in some statutes as Indian Country or Indian Territory), and included part of 

present-day Colorado. Kansas was admitted to the Union on January 29, 1861, as the 34th state, with 

generally the same boundary as the present state. The remaining part of the territory was included in 

Colorado Territory, which was organized in February 1861.

Census data for Kansas are available beginning with the 1860 census. The 1860 population includes only 

the population within the present state boundary; the population for the area that became part of Colorado 

Territory was assigned to that area even though it was not yet legally established. The population of the 

entire legally established Kansas Territory in 1860 was 141,483.

Data for the legally established state of Kansas are available beginning with the 1870 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Kansas has four federally recognized American Indian reservations, two with off-reservation trust land. 

There is also one joint-use area.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Kansas has 6 metropolitan statistical areas, 14 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

Kansas has 105 counties. One county, Wyandotte, has consolidated with Kansas City city and is 

considered nonfunctioning. All other counties are functioning governmental units; each governed by a

board of county commissioners. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,530 county subdivisions in Kansas known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,403

townships, of which 1,274 (in 96 counties) are governmental active; 129 (in 27 counties) are inactive, but 

have the ability to activate and perform governmental functions. In addition, there are 120 incorporated 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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places that are independent of any township, creating 127 MCDs. The active governmental townships 

are administered by an elected clerk, treasurer, and trustee. 

The 27 counties with inactive townships are:

Chautauqua

Clark

Clay

Coffey

Grant

Gray

Greeley

Hamilton

Jackson

Johnson

Kiowa

Labette

Lincoln

Marion

Meade

Mitchell

Morris

Morton

Scott

Sedgewick

Sheridan

Sherman

Stanton

Stevens

Wichita

Wilson

Wyandotte

PLACES

Kansas has 671 places; 627 incorporated places and 44 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places are all cities. The minimum requirement for incorporation is 300 persons or 300 

platted lots each served by water and sewer lines. There are 120 cities that are independent of any 

township creating 127 county subdivisions. The remaining 507 incorporated places are dependent within 

county subdivision.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Kansas has 770 tracts, 2,351 block groups, and 238,600 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Kansas had four congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Kansas continues to have four congressional districts as a

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Kansas has 293 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 40 state senate districts and 125 state house districts in Kansas.

URBAN AREAS

Kansas has 78 urban areas; 6 urbanized areas and 72 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 700 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Kansas.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_20.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010638° 27′ 54′′ 96° 27′ 46′′

2000638° 27′ 15′′ 96° 32′ 10′′

1990538° 27′ 29′′ 96° 34′ 60′′

1980438° 27′ 16′′ 96° 38′ 17′′

1970338° 27′ 39′′ 96° 39′ 46′′

1960338° 26′ 02′′ 96° 39′ 17′′

1950338° 26′ 35′′ 96° 51′ 32′′

1940238° 26′ 51′′ 96° 51′ 08′′

1930238° 26′ 50′′ 96° 54′ 06′′

1920138° 27′ 33′′ 96° 50′ 09′′

1910138° 29′ 31′′ 96° 49′ 41′′

1900138° 32′ 25′′ 96° 43′ 21′′

1890138° 33′ 01′′ 97° 08′ 00′′

1880138° 36′ 11′′ 96° 41′ 07′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Johnson

County 544,179 Butler County 1,429.86 Johnson County 1,149.6

Place

- Inc Place Wichita city 382,368 Wichita city 159.29 Westwood Hills city 5,410.7

- CDP Fort Riley CDP 7,761 Fort Riley CDP 5.04

Oaklawn-Sunview 

CDP 6,103.2
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 63 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Kentucky

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 4,339,367 (26th)

Land Area: 39,486.3 square miles (37th)

Density: 109.9 persons per square mile (22nd)

Capital: Frankfort

Became a State: June 1, 1792 (15th)

Bordering States: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West 

Virginia

Abbreviation: KY

ANSI/FIPS Code: 21

HISTORY

The area of Kentucky was originally part of Virginia within the original United States. Virginia ceded the 

district of Kentucky to the United States in 1792, and this area was included briefly in the Southwest 

Territory (“territory . . . south of the Ohio River”). Upon resolution of a boundary dispute with Tennessee in 

1820, Kentucky assumed generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Kentucky is one of four states that are legally described as a commonwealth. Although it was still part of 

Virginia, census data for Kentucky are available separately beginning with the 1790 census. The 

population shown for Kentucky in the 1790-1820 censuses is based on the present state boundary, not 

the territory claimed by Kentucky from Tennessee along its southern boundary. The population of the 

entire legally established state of Virginia (of which the area of Kentucky was a part) in 1790 was 

821,287.

Data for the legally established state of Kentucky are available beginning with the 1800 census, minus 

claimed territory. 

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

There are 9 metropolitan statistical areas, 17 micropolitan statistical areas, and 6 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 120 counties in Kentucky. Two counties are not considered to be functioning because they 

have consolidated governmental functions with an incorporated place. Fayette County consolidated with 

the former Lexington city to form the incorporated place of Lexington-Fayette urban county. Jefferson 

County consolidated with the former Louisville city to form the consolidated city of Louisville/Jefferson 

County metro government. The other counties are each governed by a county judge executive and a 

board of commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 493 county subdivisions in Kentucky. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census include

magisterial districts, election districts, and voting precincts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

Kentucky has 524 places; 422 incorporated places and 102 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 420 cities, 1 urban county, and 1 balance of county representing the area 

of the Louisville/Jefferson consolidated city outside of the incorporated places. Kentucky has one 

consolidated city – Louisville/Jefferson County consolidated city. Louisville/Jefferson metro government 

is a consolidated city because it contains 83 separately incorporated places. There are four 

governmentally inactive cities in Kentucky. The minimum population required for incorporation is 300 

people. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Kentucky has 1,115 census tracts, 3,285 block groups, and 161,672 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Kentucky had six congressional districts. 

Beginning with the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Kentucky continues to have six 

congressional districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Kentucky has 3 elementary school districts, 3 secondary school districts, and 174 unified school districts. 

Two of the unified school districts are run by the Department of Defense.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 38 state senate districts and 100 state house districts in Kentucky.

URBAN AREAS

Kentucky has 81 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 72 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 770 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Kentucky.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_21.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010637° 49′ 28′′ 85° 14′ 54′′

2000637° 48′ 29′′ 85° 14′ 31′′

1990537° 47′ 51′′ 85° 14′ 21′′

1980437° 47′ 31′′ 85° 13′ 22′′

1970337° 48′ 54′′ 85° 16′ 57′′

1960337° 47′ 16′′ 85° 13′ 32′′

1950337° 45′ 14′′ 85° 06′ 15′′

1940237° 40′ 44′′ 85° 05′ 52′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1930237° 41′ 41′′ 85° 08′ 15′′

1920137° 42′ 21′′ 85° 15′ 24′′

1910137° 42′ 29′′ 85° 21′ 29′′

1900137° 42′ 15′′ 85° 24′ 40′′

1890137° 42′ 46′′ 85° 21′ 52′′

1880137° 42′ 40′′ 85° 26′ 30′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Jefferson County 741,096 Pike County 786.83 Jefferson County 1,948.1

Place

- Inc 

Place

Louisville/Jefferson 

County metro 

government (balance) 597,337

Louisville/Jefferson 

County metro 

government (balance) 325.25 Poplar Hills city 14,199.7

- CDP Burlington CDP 15,926 Fort Knox CDP 20.62 Oakbrook CDP 2,842.3
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 67 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Louisiana

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 4,533,372 (25th)

Land Area: 43,203.9 square miles (33rd)

Density: 104.9 persons per square mile (24th)

Capital: Baton Rouge

Became a State: April 30, 1812 (18th)

Bordering States: Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas

Abbreviation: LA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 22

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Louisiana from France in 1803 as part of the Louisiana Purchase, 

although the area east of the Mississippi River and north of Lake Pontchartrain and the southwestern 

boundary were disputed with Spain until 1812. Orleans Territory, which included the greater part of 

Louisiana, was organized on March 26, 1804. (The Louisiana Territory, organized on March 3, 1805, did 

not include any of the present-day state of Louisiana; the Louisiana Territory was the portion of the 

Louisiana Purchase that was north of the 33rd parallel, which is the current northern boundary of the state

of Louisiana.) Louisiana was admitted to the Union on April 30, 1812, as the 18th state, with generally the 

same boundary as the present state.

Census data for Louisiana are available beginning with the 1810 census. The 1810 population is for 

Orleans Territory, which conformed to the present-day state boundary.

Data for the legally established state of Louisiana are available beginning with the 1820 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Louisiana has four federally-recognized American Indian reservations, two with off-reservation trust land.

There are also five state designated tribal statistical areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Louisiana has 8 metropolitan statistical, 17 micropolitan statistical areas, and 7 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 64 county equivalents in Louisiana known as parishes. Four parishes are not considered to be 

functioning governmental units because they have consolidated their functions with an incorporated 

place. East Baton Rouge Parish and Baton Rouge city are partially consolidated governmentally at the 

parish level. Baton Rouge city retains separate boundaries and some municipal functions. Lafayette 

Parish and Lafayette city are partially consolidated governmentally at the parish level. Lafayette city 

maintains separate boundaries and some municipal functions. Orleans Parish and New Orleans city are 

governmentally consolidated at the city level. Terrebonne Parish and Houma city are governmentally 

consolidated at the parish level but are not coextensive. Houma city is a nonfunctioning geographic entity 

with separate boundaries within the consolidated government. The governing body of each parish is the 

police jury, except for Jefferson and Plaquemines Parishes which each have parish councils.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 579 county subdivisions in Louisiana known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 578 

parish governing authority districts, which are nongovernmental, nonfunctioning subdivisions of the parish 

used for conducting elections. New Orleans city is independent of any MCD and serves as an MCD 

equivalent.

PLACES

There are 473 places in Louisiana; 304 incorporated places and 169 census designated places (CDPs). 

The incorporated places consist of 69 cities, 128 towns, and 107 villages. Houma city, though a legal 

entity, does not have a functioning government. The minimum population threshold for incorporation in 

Louisiana is 300. Villages have a population of up to 999, towns have a population of between 1,000 and 

4,999, and cities have a minimum population of 5,000.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

There are 1,148 census tracts, 3,471 block groups, and 204,447 census blocks in Louisiana.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Louisiana had seven congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Louisiana has six congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Louisiana has 69 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 39 state senate districts and 105 state house districts in Louisiana. In addition, there is one 

state house district and one state senate district not defined which encompasses water area.

URBAN AREAS

Louisiana has 75 urban areas; 11 urbanized areas and 64 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 516 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Louisiana.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_22.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010630° 43′ 22′′ 91° 30′ 32′′

2000630° 41′ 57′′ 91° 27′ 26′′

1990530° 42′ 33′′ 91° 27′ 53′′

1980430° 43′ 04′′ 91° 27′ 56′′

1970330° 43′ 44′′ 91° 28′ 41′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1960330° 46′ 43′′ 91° 31′ 20′′

1950330° 48′ 23′′ 91° 34′ 05′′

1940230° 55′ 13′′ 91° 34′ 38′′

1930230° 55′ 40′′ 91° 33′ 50′′

1920130° 51′ 28′′ 91° 36′ 40′′

1910130° 48′ 47′′ 91° 33′ 50′′

1900130° 48′ 56′′ 91° 31′ 46′′

1890130° 50′ 40′′ 91° 29′ 24′′

1880130° 49′ 29′′ 91° 21′ 08′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County East Baton Rouge Parish 440,171 Vernon Parish 1,327.91 Orleans Parish 2,029.4

Place

- Inc 

Place New Orleans city 343,829 New Orleans city 169.42 Harahan city 4,613.9

- CDP Metairie CDP 138,481 Chackbay CDP 28.52 Timberlane CDP 6,840.3
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 71 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Maine

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,328,361 (41st)

Land Area: 30,842.9 square miles (39th)

Density: 43.1 persons per square mile (38th)

Capital: Augusta

Became a State: March 15, 1820 (23rd)

Bordering States: New Hampshire

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: ME

ANSI/FIPS Code: 23

HISTORY

Maine was originally part of Massachusetts. It was included in the Charter of New England in 1620 and 

the Charter of Massachusetts Bay in 1629; the latter became the Constitution of the Massachusetts Bay 

Colony, predecessor to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In 1819, Massachusetts agreed to allow its 

district of Maine to petition for statehood. Maine was admitted to the Union as a separate state on March 

15, 1820, as the 23rd state. The state’s boundary with Canada was not formally established until the 

Webster-Ashburton Treaty of 1842, when Maine assumed generally the same boundary as the present 

state.

Census data for Maine are available beginning with the 1790 census. Maine was enumerated as a

separate district within the state of Massachusetts in the 1790, 1800, and 1810 censuses. Presentation of 

data as a separate state began with the 1820 census. The population of the legal area of Massachusetts 

(of which the area of Maine was a part) was 700,745 in 1810; 574,564 in 1800; and 475,327 in 1790.

Data for the legally established state of Maine are available beginning with the 1820 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Maine has six federally recognized American Indian areas. There are four reservations, two with offreservation trust land. There are also two trust lands.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Maine has core based statistical areas based on both counties (metropolitan statistical areas, 

micropolitan statistical areas, and combined statistical areas) and county subdivisions (metropolitan New 

England city and town areas (NECTAs), micropolitan NECTAs, and combined NECTAs).

Maine has three metropolitan statistical areas, two micropolitan statistical areas, one combined statistical 

area, five metropolitan NECTAs, five micropolitan NECTAs, and three combined NECTAs.

COUNTIES

There are 16 counties in Maine. Each county is governed by a board of county commissioners. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 533 county subdivisions in Maine known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 433 towns 

which are functioning governmental units, each governed by a board of selectmen. There are 34 

plantations which are functioning but not necessarily active governmental units, each governed by a 

board of assessors. There is one gore which is a nonfunctioning nongovernmental geographic 

subdivision of a county. There are three American Indian reservations that constitute four county 

subdivisions. There are 22 incorporated places which are independent of any other MCD and treated as 

MCD equivalents. There are also 39 unorganized territories. 

PLACES

Maine has 131 places; 22 incorporated places and 109 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places are all cities. In Maine, incorporated places are independent of county subdivisions. 

An incorporated place in Maine can legally exist in only a single county. The 22 incorporated places 

create 22 county subdivisions. Cities and MCDs have similar governmental functions, each governed by 

a board of selectmen.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCKS

Maine has 358 census tracts, 1,086 block groups, and 69,518 blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Maine had two congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Maine continues to have two congressional districts as a

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Maine has 5 elementary school districts, 4 secondary school districts, and 240 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 35 state senate districts and 151 state house districts in Maine. In addition, there is one state 

senate district and one state house district not defined which is comprised of water area.

URBAN AREAS

Maine has 26 urban areas; 5 urbanized areas and 21 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 433 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Maine.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Maine is the most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi River.

Maine is the only state that borders only one other state.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_23.html
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010644° 17′ 60′′ 69° 44′ 11′′

2000644° 18′ 49′′ 69° 43′ 12′′

1990544° 22′ 15′′ 69° 40′ 29′′

1980444° 24′ 44′′ 69° 38′ 27′′

1970344° 26′ 57′′ 69° 37′ 20′′

1960344° 30′ 21′′ 69° 33′ 28′′

1950344° 46′ 01′′ 69° 35′ 09′′

1940244° 41′ 21′′ 69° 35′ 12′′

1930244° 42′ 17′′ 69° 34′ 23′′

1920144° 46′ 44′′ 69° 31′ 02′′

1910144° 47′ 02′′ 69° 29′ 49′′

1900144° 57′ 52′′ 69° 33′ 05′′

1890144° 57′ 03′′ 69° 32′ 36′′

1880144° 55′ 10′′ 69° 32′ 46′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Cumberland 

County 281,674 Aroostook County 6,671.33 Cumberland County 337.2

Place

- Inc Place Portland city 66,194 Ellsworth city 79.28 Portland city 3,106.6

- CDP Brunswick CDP 15,175 Winslow CDP 36.82 Sanford CDP 1,908.9

Town

Sanford town, 

York County 20,798

Allagash town, 

Aroostook County 128.61

Old Orchard Beach 

town, York County 1,160.0
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 75 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Maryland

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 5,773,552 (19th)

Land Area: 9707.2 square miles (42nd)

Density: 594.8 persons per square mile (5th)

Capital: Annapolis

Became a State: April 28, 1788 (7th)

Bordering States: Delaware, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West 

Virginia

Abbreviation: MD

ANSI/FIPS Code: 24

HISTORY

The area of Maryland was part of the original territory of the United States. It was chartered as a colony in 

1632. The area described by this charter, however, conflicted with the charter for Virginia and, later, the 

charter for Pennsylvania. Virginia relinquished its claims in 1658, and the Pennsylvania boundary was 

resolved with the survey of the Mason and Dixon Line in the 1760s. Maryland ratified the U.S. 

Constitution on April 28, 1788; it was the seventh of the original 13 states to join the Union. Its area was 

reduced with the cession in 1788 and formation in 1791 of the District of Columbia, resulting in generally 

the same boundary as the present state.

Census data for Maryland are available beginning with the 1790 census. The population reported for 

1790 includes the area subsequently in the District of Columbia.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Maryland has six metropolitan statistical areas, four micropolitan statistical areas, three metropolitan 

divisions, and three combined statistical areas. 

COUNTIES

There are 24 counties and equivalents in Maryland. The 23 counties are all functioning governmental 

units. Baltimore city is an independent city that functions governmentally at the place level but is also 

considered a county equivalent. Baltimore city and Baltimore County are two separate entities covering 

different area in Maryland and should not be confused with each other. Anne Arundel, Baltimore, 

Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Talbot and Wicomico counties are each governed by a 

county council. All other counties are each governed by a board of county commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 290 county subdivisions in Maryland known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). All of the MCDs 

are nonfunctioning nongovernmental subdivisions of a county, used for conducting elections or recording 

properties. The 289 MCDs in the 23 counties in Maryland are election districts. Baltimore city is 

independent of any MCD and serves as a county subdivision.

PLACES

Maryland has 518 places; 157 incorporated places and 361 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 29 cities, 123 towns, and 5 villages. Incorporated places are dependent 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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within county subdivision with the exception of Baltimore city which is independent of any county and 

county subdivision. Cumberland city contains one whole election district and parts of six others. 

Hagerstown contains four whole election districts and part of six others. Annapolis city legally can exist 

in only one election district.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Maryland has 1,406 census tracts, 3,926 block groups, and 145,247 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Maryland had eight congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Maryland continues to have eight congressional districts 

as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Maryland has 24 unified school districts. The school districts in Maryland are coextensive with counties 

and equivalent.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 47 state senate districts and 65 state legislative districts or subdistricts in Maryland. In 

addition, there are 17 undefined state legislative districts and 17 undefined state senate districts which 

are comprised of water area.

URBAN AREAS

Maryland has 43 urban areas; 11 urbanized areas and 32 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 468 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Maryland.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Maryland’s boundary with Virginia and part of West Virginia follows the south shore of the Potomac River; 

the Mason-Dixon Line forms Maryland’s boundary with Pennsylvania and Delaware.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_24.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010639° 08′ 27′′ 76° 47′ 52′′

2000639° 08′ 44′′ 76° 47′ 51′′

1990539° 09′ 03′′ 76° 47′ 43′′

1980439° 09′ 35′′ 76° 47′ 25′′

1970339° 09′ 51′′ 76° 47′ 11′′

1960339° 11′ 15′′ 76° 46′ 22′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1950339° 10′ 31′′ 76° 43′ 56′′

1940239° 13′ 03′′ 76° 46′ 56′′

1930239° 13′ 05′′ 76° 46′ 03′′

1920139° 11′ 03′′ 76° 43′ 40′′

1910139° 10′ 01′′ 76° 42′ 36′′

1900139° 09′ 36′′ 76° 42′ 15′′

1890139° 09′ 32′′ 76° 41′ 21′′

1880139° 09′ 04′′ 76° 41′ 17′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Montgomery County 971,777 Frederick County 660.22 Baltimore city 7,671.5

Place

- Inc 

Place Baltimore city 620,961 Baltimore city 80.94 Mount Rainier city 12,443.3

- CDP Columbia CDP 99,615 Eldersburg CDP 39.69

Friendship 

Heights Village 

CDP 79,555.4
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 78 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 79 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Massachusetts

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 6,547,629 (14th)

Land Area: 7,800.1 square miles (45th)

Density: 839.4 persons per square mile (3rd)

Capital: Boston

Became a State: February 6, 1788 (6th)

Bordering States: Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont

Abbreviation: MA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 25

HISTORY

The area of Massachusetts was part of the original territory of the United States. It was originally included 

in the Charter of New England in 1620; the Charter of Massachusetts Bay, which became the Constitution 

of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1629; and a charter that united the Massachusetts Bay and 

Plymouth colonies in 1691. In 1785, it ceded area to the United States that became part of the Northwest 

Territory in 1787. Massachusetts ratified the U.S. Constitution on February 6, 1788; it was the sixth of the 

original 13 states to join the Union. At the time of statehood, the area of Maine was a district in 

Massachusetts. In 1819, it agreed to allow its district of Maine to petition for statehood, and Maine was 

admitted to the Union as a separate state on March 15, 1820. There were changes to the boundary 

between Connecticut and Massachusetts in 1804 and between Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 1862, 

and a resurvey of the latter boundary in 1897, resulting in generally the same boundary as the present 

state. Massachusetts is one of four states that are legally described as a commonwealth.

Census data for Massachusetts are available beginning with the 1790 census. The population data for 

1790, 1800, and 1810 do not include the area of Maine. The population of the legal area of

Massachusetts including the area of Maine for those censuses was 700,745 in 1810; 574,564 in 1800; 

and 475,327 in 1790.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Massachusetts has one state recognized American Indian reservation and one federally recognized trust 

land. 

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Massachusetts has core based statistical areas based on both counties (metropolitan statistical areas, 

combined statistical areas, and metropolitan divisions) and county subdivisions (metropolitan New 

England city and town areas (NECTAs), micropolitan NECTAs, combined NECTAs, and NECTA 

divisions).

There are six metropolitan statistical areas, three metropolitan divisions, one combined statistical area, 

eight metropolitan NECTAs, four micropolitan NECTAs, nine NECTA divisions, and four combined 

NECTAs.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 80 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

COUNTIES

There are 14 counties in Massachusetts. Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Norfolk, and Plymouth counties 

have active county governments, each governed by a board of county commissioners. Nantucket County 

and Nantucket town are governmentally consolidated and have a single set of officials. Suffolk County 

and Boston city are governmentally consolidated and have a single set of officials. Berkshire, Essex, 

Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, and Worcester counties are no longer legal governmental 

units.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 357 county subdivisions in Massachusetts known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 

298 towns with functioning, but not necessarily active, governments. The 53 incorporated places are 

independent of MCDs and serve as county subdivisions. In addition there are six MCDs each consisting 

entirely of water area within the territorial limits of Massachusetts. In Massachusetts, towns and cities are 

usually the main providers of local government services. The entire state is covered by town 

governments with the exception of the areas within cities. The governing body in each town and city is 

the board of selectmen.

PLACES

Massachusetts has 244 places; 53 incorporated places and 191 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places are all cities. The minimum population for incorporation in Massachusetts is 12,000. 

Cities are governed by a board of selectmen. An incorporated place can legally exist in a single county

only. All of the incorporated places are cities that are each independent of any other county subdivision 

and serve as county subdivisions. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCKS

Massachusetts has 1,478 census tracts, 4,985 block groups, and 157,508 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009 – January 2011), Massachusetts had ten congressional districts. 

For the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Massachusetts has nine congressional districts as 

a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Massachusetts has 71 elementary school districts, 35 secondary school districts, and 210 unified school 

districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 40 state senate districts and 160 house districts in Massachusetts. In addition, there is one 

state senate district and one state house district not defined, each of which encompasses water area.

URBAN AREAS

Massachusetts has 20 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 11 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 538 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Massachusetts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 81 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_25.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010642° 16′ 20′′ 71° 21′ 48′′

2000642° 16′ 19′′ 71° 21′ 49′′

1990542° 16′ 29′′ 71° 22′ 41′′

1980442° 16′ 45′′ 71° 23′ 04′′

1970342° 17′ 26′′ 71° 23′ 40′′

1960342° 17′ 48′′ 71° 26′ 05′′

1950342° 22′ 02′′ 71° 26′ 09′′

1940242° 18′ 38′′ 71° 26′ 60′′

1930242° 18′ 41′′ 71° 27′ 06′′

1920142° 22′ 18′′ 71° 25′ 45′′

1910142° 22′ 23′′ 71° 25′ 08′′

1900142° 22′ 19′′ 71° 28′ 08′′

1890142° 22′ 30′′ 71° 28′ 10′′

1880142° 22′ 30′′ 71° 28′ 15′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Middlesex County 1,503,085 Worcester County 1,510.77 Suffolk County 12,415.6

Place

- Inc Place Boston city 617,594

Barnstable Town 

city 59.80 Somerville city 18,403.9

- CDP Framingham CDP 68,318 Framingham CDP 25.04 Brookline CDP 8,701.0

Town

Framingham town, 

Middlesex County 68,318

Plymouth town, 

Plymouth County 96.50

Brookline town, 

Norfolk County 8,701.0
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 82 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 83 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Michigan

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 9,883,640 (8th)

Land Area: 56,538.9 square miles (22nd)

Density: 174.8 persons per square mile (17th)

Capital: Lansing

Became a State: January 26, 1837 (26th)

Bordering States: Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: MI

ANSI/FIPS Code: 26

HISTORY

The area of Michigan was part of the original territory of the United States, being part of lands ceded by 

four states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the River Ohio.”

Michigan Territory was organized on June 30, 1805, from the northeastern part of Indiana Territory, and 

included all of the Lower Peninsula, the eastern part of the Upper Peninsula, a small strip of northern 

Indiana, and a portion of northwestern Ohio that was later contested. In 1818, when Illinois was admitted 

as a state, all of the remainder of Illinois Territory was added to Michigan Territory, including almost all of 

present-day Wisconsin, part of Minnesota, and the western part of the Upper Peninsula; at the same time, 

the central portion of the Upper Peninsula and eastern Wisconsin were added from the former Indiana 

Territory. In 1834, Michigan Territory was enlarged from part of Missouri Territory, including all of presentday Iowa, the remainder of Minnesota, and the eastern part of North Dakota and South Dakota. Michigan 

was reduced with the organization of Wisconsin Territory and the cession of the Toledo Strip to Ohio in 

1836. As a compromise for the cession of territory to Ohio, Michigan Territory retained all of the Upper 

Peninsula when Wisconsin Territory was organized, resulting in a boundary generally the same as the 

present state. 

Although not yet legally established as a separate territory, census data for Michigan are available 

beginning with the 1800 census. The 1800 census includes the population of a small area that is in 

present-day Ohio and excludes the population that was enumerated with Indiana of a small area of 

present-day Michigan. The 1800 population of the legally established Northwest Territory (of which 

Michigan was a part) was 45,916. The 1810, 1820, and 1830 census populations are for the entire area of 

Michigan Territory, including population in extensive areas not in the present state, and, in 1810, 

excluding again the population of a small area of present-day Michigan enumerated with Indiana. For an 

explanation of the revision to the 1800, 1820, and 1830 population of Michigan, see Richard L. Forstall, 

Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790- 1990, Washington, DC: U.S. Government 

Printing Office, 1996, page 82.

Data for the legally established state of Michigan are available beginning with the 1840 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Michigan has 13 federally recognized American Indian reservations, 9 with off-reservation trust lands. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography 

Page | 84 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS 

Michigan has 15 metropolitan statistical areas, 18 micropolitan statistical areas, 2 metropolitan divisions, 

and 5 combined statistical areas. 

COUNTIES 

There are 83 counties in Michigan. All counties in Michigan are functioning governmental entities, each 

governed by a board of commissioners. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS 

There are 1,573 county subdivisions in Michigan known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,123 

townships and 117 charter townships which are all actively functioning governmental units. Townships 

are the original units of government formed in the state. Typically, though not always, townships are 36 

square miles in size. Each township is governed by a board of trustees consisting of the township supervisor, 

township clerk, township treasurer, and two or four elected trustees. The entire state is covered by township 

governments except for areas within cities. 

The 275 cities in Michigan are independent of MCDs and serve as 293 county subdivisions. Cities are 

incorporated places and governed by home rule. When established, the geographic area of a city is 

removed from the township(s) of which it may have been a part. 

In addition, there are 40 undefined MCDs that are water area only. 

PLACES 

Michigan has 692 places; 533 incorporated places and 159 CDPs. The incorporated places consist of 

275 cities and 258 villages. Incorporated villages are dependent within county subdivision. Incorporated 

cities are independent of any township or charter township. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS 

Michigan has 2,813 census tracts, 8,205 block groups, and 329,885 census blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS 

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Michigan had 15 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Michigan has 14 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS 

Michigan has 29 elementary school districts and 524 unified school districts. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 38 state senate districts and 110 state house districts in Michigan. 

URBAN AREAS 

Michigan has 116 urban areas; 21 urbanized areas and 95 urban clusters. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 85 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 989 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Michigan.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Michigan is formed by two peninsulas; The Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_26.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010642° 52′ 23′′ 84° 12′ 12′′

2000642° 51′ 59′′ 84° 10′ 15′′

1990542° 51′ 13′′ 84° 08′ 37′′

1980442° 50′ 28′′ 84° 06′ 30′′

1970342° 48′ 21′′ 84° 02′ 58′′

1960342° 48′ 36′′ 84° 02′ 06′′

1950342° 51′ 01′′ 84° 05′ 48′′

1940242° 53′ 38′′ 84° 11′ 44′′

1930242° 54′ 12′′ 84° 13′ 16′′

1920143° 06′ 17′′ 84° 24′ 59′′

1910143° 19′ 55′′ 84° 45′ 00′′

1900143° 21′ 00′′ 84° 46′ 19′′

1890143° 15′ 24′′ 84° 43′ 38′′

1880143° 03′ 29′′ 84° 38′ 36′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Wayne County 1,820,584 Marquette County 1,808.40 Wayne County 2,974.4

Place

- Inc 

Place

Detroit city 713,777 Detroit city 138.75 Hamtramck city 10,751.0
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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- CDP Forest Hills CDP 25,867 Forest Hills CDP 49.27 Woodland Beach CDP 3,941.8

Township

Clinton charter 

township, Macomb 

County

96,796 McMillan township, 

Luce County

588.78 Royal Oak charter 

township, Oakland 

County

4,376.5

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 87 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Minnesota

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 5,303,925 (21st)

Land Area: 79,626.7 square miles (14th)

Density: 66.6 persons per square mile (31st)

Capital: St. Paul

Became a State: May 11, 1858 (32nd)

Bordering States: Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: MN

ANSI/FIPS Code: 27

HISTORY

The area of Minnesota was partially included in the original territory of the United States, being part of 

lands ceded by four states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the 

River Ohio.” The United States acquired the remainder of the area from France in 1803 as part of the 

Louisiana Purchase and by a convention signed with Great Britain in 1818 that extended the northern 

boundary along the 49th parallel westward from a line drawn due north from the source of the Mississippi 

River. Minnesota Territory was organized on March 3, 1849, from unorganized area formerly within Iowa 

and Wisconsin territories. The territory included all of the present-day state of Minnesota, the eastern part 

of North Dakota and South Dakota, and a small part of Nebraska. Minnesota Territory was reduced in 

size in 1854 when the portion in present-day Nebraska was included in Nebraska Territory. Minnesota 

was admitted to the Union on May 11, 1858, as the 32nd state, with generally the same boundary as the 

present state. The remaining part of Minnesota Territory was not assigned until the organization of 

Dakota Territory in 1861; in 1860 census reports, the area was identified as “unorganized Dakota.”

Census data for Minnesota are available beginning with the 1850 census. The 1850 population is for the 

entire area of Minnesota Territory, including population in area not in the present state.

Data for the legally established state of Minnesota are available beginning with the 1860 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Minnesota has 13 federally recognized American Indian areas. There are 11 federally recognized 

American Indian area reservations, 8 with off-reservation trust land. There is one trust land. In addition, 

there is one off-reservation trust land associated with a reservation in a neighboring state.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Minnesota has 8 metropolitan statistical areas, 17 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 87 counties in Minnesota. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a 

county board of commissioners.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 88 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

Minnesota has 2,760 county subdivisions which are recognized as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 

1,785 active townships and 23 inactive townships. There are 845 incorporated places which are 

independent of any county subdivision creating 893 county subdivisions that serve as MCDs. There are 

56 unorganized territories. There are also three areas county subdivisions not defined which encompass 

water area. Each township is governed by a board of supervisors.

Koochiching County is covered entirely by unorganized territories and independent places. Lake of the 

Woods County is shown as having 23 nonfunctioning townships as part of an agreement between the 

county and the Census Bureau. 

PLACES

Minnesota has 906 places; 854 incorporated places and 52 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places are all cities. Nine cities – Aurora, Beardsley, Calumet, Johnson, Kinney, Marble, 

Nashwauk, Ortonville, and Taconite – are dependent within county subdivision. There are 845 cities that 

are independent of any township or unorganized territory.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Minnesota has 1,338 census tracts, 4,111 block groups, and 259,777 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009 – January 2011), Minnesota had eight congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Minnesota continues to have eight congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Minnesota has 339 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 67 state senate districts and 134 state house districts in Minnesota. 

URBAN AREAS

Minnesota has 111 urban areas; 8 urbanized areas and 103 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 890 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Minnesota.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_27.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010645° 12′ 13′′ 93° 34′ 19′′

2000645° 12′ 39′′ 93° 34′ 59′′

1990545° 13′ 18′′ 93° 36′ 31′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 89 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1980445° 15′ 16′′ 93° 38′ 56′′

1970345° 14′ 12′′ 93° 39′ 01′′

1960345° 16′ 36′′ 93° 42′ 24′′

1950345° 20′ 24′′ 93° 45′ 59′′

1940245° 25′ 50′′ 93° 53′ 13′′

1930245° 25′ 44′′ 93° 52′ 58′′

1920145° 25′ 26′′ 93° 51′ 01′′

1910145° 22′ 23′′ 93° 51′ 29′′

1900145° 15′ 29′′ 93° 59′ 24′′

1890145° 05′ 42′′ 93° 50′ 36′′

1880144° 47′ 33′′ 93° 44′ 41′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Hennepin County 1,152,425 St. Louis County 6247.40 Ramsey County 3,341.6

Place

- Inc 

Place Minneapolis city 382,578 Hibbing city 181.83 Landfall city 9,233.9

- CDP Arnold CDP 2,960 The Lake CDP 33.72 Riverland CDP 1,652.6

Township

White Bear township, 

Ramsey County 10,949

Stony River township, 

Lake County 550.56

White Bear township, 

Ramsey County 1499.9
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 90 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 91 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Mississippi

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 2,967,297 (31st)

Land Area: 46,923.3 square miles (31st)

Density: 63.2 persons per square mile (32nd)

Capital: Jackson

Became a State: December 10, 1817 (20th)

Bordering States: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee

Abbreviation: MS

ANSI/FIPS Code: 28

HISTORY

All of the area of Mississippi except the part south of the 31st parallel was included in the original territory 

of the United States. The United States claimed the territory south of the 31st parallel as part of the 

Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Mississippi Territory was organized on April 7, 1798, from unorganized area; 

it included area west of Georgia to the Mississippi River, comprising the southern third of the present-day 

states of Alabama and Mississippi. The territory annexed the northern part of the same two future states 

when Georgia ceded its western claims in 1802 and the lands south of the 31st parallel in 1812. 

Mississippi Territory was reduced by the organization of Alabama Territory in 1817. Mississippi was 

admitted to the Union on December 10, 1817, as the 20th state, with generally the same boundary as the 

present state, although jurisdiction over the entire area was not formally accomplished until Spain 

relinquished its claims to the southern portion of the state in 1819. 

Census data for Mississippi are available beginning with the 1800 census. The 1800 and 1810 

populations do not include the area now within the state of Alabama even though that area was legally 

part of Mississippi Territory. The population of Mississippi Territory as legally existing for those censuses 

was 40,352 in 1810 and 8,550 in 1800.

Data for the legally established state of Mississippi are available beginning with the 1820 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Mississippi has one federally recognized American Indian reservation.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Mississippi has 5 metropolitan statistical areas, 20 micropolitan statistical areas, and 3 combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 82 counties in Mississippi. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a 

board of supervisors.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 410 county subdivisions in Mississippi known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). The MCDs in 

Mississippi are supervisors’ districts, which are nonfunctioning geographic subdivisions of the county 

defined for the purpose of electing county officials. Each county has five districts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 92 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

PLACES

Mississippi has 362 places; 298 incorporated places and 64 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 110 cities, 169 towns, and 19 villages. Tillatoba town is governmentally 

inactive. Cities have a minimum population threshold of 2,000, towns require a population between 300 

and 1,999, and villages require a population between 50 and 299. Villages can no longer be created 

except in special circumstances, but existing villages with at least 50 people may maintain their status as 

a village.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Mississippi has 664 census tracts, 2,164 block groups, and 171,778 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009 – January 2011), Mississippi had four congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Mississippi continues to have four congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Mississippi has 149 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 52 state senate districts and 122 state house districts in Mississippi.

URBAN AREAS

Mississippi has 69 urban areas; 5 urbanized areas and 64 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 424 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Mississippi.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_28.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010632° 35′ 27′′ 89° 34′ 46

2000632° 33′ 59′′ 89° 35′ 35′′

1990532° 33′ 46′′ 89° 36′ 34′′

1980432° 34′ 41′′ 89° 37′ 27′′

1970332° 36′ 57′′ 89° 39′ 18′′

1960332° 41′ 29′′ 89° 40′ 34′′

1950332° 48′ 05′′ 89° 44′ 57′′

1940232° 53′ 36′′ 89° 45′ 28′′

1930232° 55′ 16′′ 89° 45′ 38′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1920132° 55′ 35′′ 89° 45′ 37′′

1910132° 54′ 07′′ 89° 45′ 22′′

1900132° 55′ 37′′ 89° 44′ 46′′

1890135° 59′ 52′′* 89° 43′ 26′′

1880133° 02′ 50′′ 89° 42′ 06′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

* The north latitude for Mississippi that appears in the source material appears to be an error but is displayed here as in the report. 

The description accompanying the center of population in the source material states it is 3.5 miles SE of Sallis, Attala County, 

Mississippi which does not correspond to the north latitude. We believe the correct north latitude is 32° 59′ 52′′.

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population

Land Area (square 

miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Hinds County 245,285 Yazoo

County

922.95 Jackson County 193.2

Place

- Inc 

Place

Jackson city 173,514 Jackson city 111.05 Sidon town 4,102.7

- CDP

Diamondhead

CDP

8,425 Vancleave

CDP

43.15 University CDP 5,880.7
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 94 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 95 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Missouri

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 5,988,927 (18th)

Land Area: 68,741.5 square miles (18th)

Density: 87.1 persons per square mile (28th)

Capital: Jefferson City

Became a State: August 10, 1821 (24th)

Bordering States: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, 

Oklahoma, Tennessee

Abbreviation: MO

ANSI/FIPS Code: 29

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Missouri from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 

Missouri Territory was organized on June 4, 1812, from Louisiana Territory, and included all of the 

present-day states of Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma and parts of Colorado, 

Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. The 

territory was reduced by conclusion of a treaty with Spain in 1819 that removed the portion of Texas that 

was in the territory and part of present-day Colorado, Kansas, and Wyoming. That same year, Missouri 

Territory was further reduced by the organization of Arkansas Territory. Missouri was admitted to the 

Union on March 2, 1821, as the 24th state from a small part of Missouri Territory. With the Platte Purchase 

of 1836, Missouri added territory in the northwest, west to the Missouri River, to assume generally the 

same boundary as the present state. (Missouri Territory—the portion not included in the state of 

Missouri—continued to exist as a separate area until the organization of Nebraska Territory in 1854, 

although reduced after a large part of the northern area was annexed to Michigan Territory in 1834. Some 

statutes refer to this Missouri Territory as Indian Country or Indian Territory.) 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Missouri are available 

beginning with the 1810 census. The 1810 and 1820 populations are for the present-day area of the state 

of Missouri. The population of the entire legally established Louisiana Territory (of which the area of 

Missouri was a part) in 1810 was 20,845. The 1820 census enumeration apparently did not include area 

in Missouri Territory beyond what is now the state of Missouri.

Data for the legally established state of Missouri are available beginning with the 1830 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Missouri has 9 metropolitan statistical areas, 19 micropolitan statistical areas, and 3 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 115 counties and equivalent in Missouri. The 114 counties are functioning governmental units, 

each governed by a county commission with the exception of Jackson and St. Louis Counties which are

each governed by a county executive and a county legislature. St. Louis city is an independent city 

outside of any county and is considered a county equivalent. St. Louis city is has an active government 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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at the place level. St. Louis city should not be confused with St. Louis County as they are separate 

entities. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

Missouri has 1,395 county subdivisions known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 311 towns in 

22 counties with active, functioning governments, each governed by a trustee and board of directors. City 

township in Barton County has consolidated its government with Lamar city; the remaining 1,082 

townships are nonfunctioning nongovernmental entities. St. Louis city is independent of any township and 

serves as a county subdivision.

Counties with active, functioning MCDs:

Barton

Bates

Caldwell

Carroll

Chariton

Dade

Daviess

DeKalb

Dunklin

Gentry

Grundy

Harrison

Henry

Linn

Livingston

Mercer

Nodaway

Putnam

Stoddard

Sullivan

Texas

Vernon

PLACES

Missouri has 1,032 places; 959 incorporated places and 73 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 637 cities, 110 towns, and 212 villages. Eight of the incorporated places 

are inactive – Ashburn town, Baker village, Florida village, La Due village, Lakeside city, Lambert village,

Lithium village, and Tarrants village. Incorporated places are dependent within county subdivision except 

St. Louis city which is independent of any county and MCD. Arnold city, Edina city, Kimberling City city, 

Lamar city, New Haven city, and Washington city are coextensive with a single township. Springfield city 

is coextensive with Springfield township in Greene County and is also located in part of Northview 

township in Christian County. All incorporated places in Franklin County can only legally exist in a single 

township; however, Berger city, Gerald city, Leslie village, Miramiguoa Park village, New Haven city, Oak 

Grove Village village, Pacific city, Parkway village, St. Clair city, Sullivan city, and Union city are not 

coextensive with their respective MCDs.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Missouri has 1,393 census tracts, 4,506 block groups, and 343,565 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Missouri had nine congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Missouri has eight congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Missouri has 73 elementary school districts and 449 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 34 state senate districts and 163 state house districts in Missouri.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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URBAN AREAS

Missouri has 119 urban areas; 11 urbanized areas and 108 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,029 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Missouri.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

The mean center of the United States population is currently in Missouri near Plato village in Texas 

County.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_29.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010638° 25′ 26′′ 92° 11′ 54′′

2000638° 26′ 16′′ 92° 09′ 14′′

1990538° 27′ 47′′ 92° 05′ 59′′

1980438° 28′ 54′′ 92° 04′ 48′′

1970338° 31′ 27′′ 92° 01′ 36′′

1960338° 29′ 50′′ 92° 02′ 23′′

1950338° 30′ 06′′ 92° 07′ 42′′

1940238° 29′ 05′′ 92° 04′ 52′′

1930238° 32′ 18′′ 92° 09′ 13′′

1920138° 33′ 17′′ 92° 16′ 23′′

1910138° 33′ 00′′ 92° 18′ 25′′

1900138° 36′ 11′′ 92° 25′ 55′′

1890138° 38′ 19′′ 92° 27′ 57′′

1880138° 42′ 32′′ 92° 25′ 08′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 98 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

St. Louis

County

998,954 Texas County 1,177.27 St. Louis city 5,157.5

Place

- Inc 

Place

Kansas City 459,787 Kansas City 314.95 Marlborough 

village

9,482.4

- CDP

Oakville CDP 36,143 Fort Leonard 

Wood CDP

96.18 Glasgow Village

CDP

5,882.8

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 99 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Montana

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 989,415 (44th)

Land Area: 145,545.8 square miles (4th)

Density: 6.8 persons per square mile (48th)

Capital: Helena

Became a State: November 8, 1889 (41st)

Bordering States: Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming

Abbreviation: MT

ANSI/FIPS Code: 30

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Montana from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 

and by a treaty with Great Britain in 1846. Montana Territory was organized from the northeastern part of 

Idaho Territory on May 26, 1864, with generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data for Montana are available beginning with the 1870 census. The 1860 census population in 

present-day Montana was included in unorganized Dakota, although legally the area was within Nebraska 

and Washington territories. The portion of Yellowstone National Park in Montana was probably 

enumerated as part of Wyoming from 1880 to 1910. 

Data for the legally established state of Montana are available beginning with the 1890 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Montana has eight federally recognized American Indian areas. There are seven reservations, six with 

off-reservation trust lands. There is also one off-reservation trust land associated with an American Indian 

reservation in a neighboring state.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Montana has three metropolitan statistical areas and five micropolitan statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 56 counties in Montana. Two counties are not considered to be functioning governmental units 

because each has consolidated its functions with an incorporated place. Deer Lodge County and 

Anaconda-Deer Lodge County (place) are governmentally consolidated. Silver Bow County and ButteSilver Bow (place) are governmentally consolidated. The remaining 54 counties are each governed by a 

county board of commissioners.

Yellowstone National Park was deleted as a county equivalent when its area legally became part of 

Gallatin and Park Counties on November 7, 1997.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 194 county subdivisions in Montana. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Montana for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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census included election precincts, election districts, townships, land survey townships, American Indian 

reservations, and school districts.

PLACES

Montana has 364 places; 129 incorporated places and 235 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 52 cities, 75 towns, 1 city with no description - Anconda-Deer Lodge 

County - and 1 balance of county for the area of the Butte-Silver Bow consolidated city outside of the 

incorporated place of Walkerville city. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County is coextensive with Deer Lodge 

County.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Montana has 271 census tracts, 842 block groups, and 132,288 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Montana had one congressional district. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Montana continues to have one congressional district as a 

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Montana has 267 elementary school districts, 108 secondary school districts, and 52 unified school 

districts.

URBAN AREAS

Montana has 33 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 30 urban clusters.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 50 state senate districts and 100 state house districts in Montana.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

Montana has 363 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs).

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_30.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010646° 47′ 13′′ 111° 17′ 46′′

2000646° 48′ 48′′ 111° 12′ 35′′

1990546° 50′ 25′′ 111° 01′ 35′′

1980446° 51′ 39′′ 110° 54′ 55′′

1970346° 53′ 52′′ 110° 49′ 30′′

1960346° 55′ 07′′ 110° 35′ 48′′

1950346° 56′ 02′′ 110° 35′ 22′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1940246° 54′ 35′′ 110° 30′ 47′′

1930246° 53′ 41′′ 110° 17′ 04′′

1920146° 52′ 36′′ 110° 14′ 02′′

1910146° 41′ 31′′ 110° 59′ 49′′

1900146° 34′ 45′′ 111° 36′ 18′′

1890146° 31′ 45′′ 111° 51′ 22′′

1880146° 23′ 05′′ 111° 43′ 16′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Yellowstone

County 147,972 Beaverhead County 5,541.62 Yellowstone County 56.2

Place

- Inc Place Billings city 104,170

Anaconda-Deer Lodge 

county 736.53 Browning town 3,708.9

- CDP

Helena Valley 

Southeast CDP 8,227 Big Sky CDP 120.02 King Arthur Park CDP 2,320.3
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 103 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Nebraska

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,826,341 (38th)

Land Area: 76,824.2 square miles (15th)

Density: 23.8 persons per square mile (43rd)

Capital: Lincoln

Became a State: March 1, 1867 (37th)

Bordering States: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Wyoming

Abbreviation: NE

ANSI/FIPS Code: 31

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Nebraska from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 

Nebraska Territory was organized on May 30, 1854, from the northwestern part of Missouri Territory (also 

called Indian Country or Indian Territory). At the time of its organization, the territory included almost all of 

present-day Nebraska and parts of Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The area of the 

territory was reduced greatly in 1861 with the organization of Colorado and Dakota territories. In 1882, 

Nebraska acquired from Dakota Territory an area north of the Keya Paha River and Niobrara River to 

assume generally the same boundary as the present state. Nebraska and Iowa have made periodic 

adjustments to their boundary as the Missouri River has changed its course. 

Census data for Nebraska are available beginning with the 1860 census. The 1860 population is for part 

of the area of the Nebraska Territory including all of present-day Nebraska, and settlements now within 

Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming. If the part of Nebraska Territory in 1860 that is in present-day 

Montana and North Dakota, as well as additional parts of South Dakota, was enumerated, the population 

was included as part of unorganized Dakota; thus, no accurate data are available for the entire Nebraska 

Territory as legally defined.

Data for the legally established state of Nebraska are available beginning with the 1870 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Nebraska has seven federally recognized American Indian areas. There are six reservations, two with 

off-reservation trust land. There is also one trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Nebraska has 3 metropolitan statistical areas, 10 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 93 counties in Nebraska. All counties are active governmental entities, each governed by a 

board of commissioners, except in counties having township governments where each is governed by a 

board of supervisors. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,198 county subdivisions in Nebraska that are known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There 

are 27 counties with townships, 65 counties with election precincts, and one county with districts. There 

are 435 active functioning townships and 30 inactive townships that have the ability to activate and 

perform governmental functions. Each township is governed by a board of thirteen elected officials. 

There are 646 precincts which are nonfunctioning, nongovernmental county subdivisions used for 

conducting elections. Webster County has five nonfunctioning, nongovernmental districts used in 

conducting elections. There are 77 incorporated places that are independent of MCDs and constitute 79 

county subdivisions.

Counties with townships:

Adams

Antelope

Boyd

Buffalo

Burt

Butler

Clay

Cuming

Custer

Dixon

Dodge

Fillmore

Franklin

Gage

Hall 

Harlan

Holt

Kearney

Knox

Merrick

Nance 

Phelps

Platte

Saunders

Thurston

Valley

Washington

PLACES

Nebraska has 580 places; 530 incorporated places and 50 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 147 cities and 383 villages. Cities have a minimum population of 801 and 

villages have a population of 100-800. Incorporated places are dependent within county subdivision. 

There are 77 cities that are independent of any election precinct or township. Two cities, Tilden and 

Newman Grove, are independent of any township in one county and of any election precinct in the other. 

North Platte, Bellevue, La Vista, Papillion, and Springfield cities are coextensive with a single precinct of 

the same name. Imperial, Kimball, and Gretna cities are coextensive with two precincts. Grant city 

contains one whole precinct and a portion of one other precinct. Chadron contains four whole precincts 

and portions of three other precincts.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Nebraska has 532 census tracts, 1,633 block groups, and 193,352 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Nebraska had three congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Nebraska continues to have three congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Nebraska has 254 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

Nebraska has a unicameral legislature with 49 state senate districts which are represented by the Census 

Bureau as state legislative districts – upper chamber.
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URBAN AREAS

Nebraska has 43 urban areas; 4 urbanized areas and 39 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 586 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Nebraska.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_31.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010641° 10′ 27′′ 97° 18′ 56′′

2000641° 11′ 02′′ 97° 24′ 14′′

1990541° 11′ 29′′ 97° 28′ 30′′

1980441° 11′ 57′′ 97° 34′ 11′′

1970341° 11′ 49′′ 97° 32′ 49′′

1960341° 12′ 23′′ 97° 45′ 54′′

1950341° 12′ 10′′ 97° 52′ 01′′

1940241° 13′ 18′′ 97° 58′ 38′′

1930241° 12′ 55′′ 98° 00′ 49′′

1920141° 12′ 32′′ 97° 57′ 00′′

1910141° 11′ 13′′ 97° 50′ 17′′

1900141° 08′ 43′′ 97° 42′ 10′′

1890141° 05′ 54′′ 97° 43′ 34′′

1880140° 57′ 47′′ 97° 20′ 43′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Douglas County 517,110 Cherry County 5,960.42 Douglas County 1,574.4

Place

- Inc Omaha city 408,958 Omaha city 127.09 Winnebago village 3,818.9
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Place

- CDP Chalco CDP 10,994 Lorenzo CDP 6.84 Chalco CDP 3,767.4

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 107 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Nevada

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 2,700,551 (35th)

Land Area: 109,781.2 square miles (7th)

Density: 24.6 persons per square mile (42nd)

Capital: Carson City

Became a State: October 31, 1864 (36th)

Bordering States: Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon, Utah

Abbreviation: NV

ANSI/FIPS Code: 32

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Nevada from Mexico in 1848. Nevada Territory was organized 

from the western part of Utah Territory on March 2, 1861. The territory added area along the eastern 

boundary from Utah Territory in 1862. Nevada was admitted to the Union on October 31, 1864, as the 

36th state. In 1866, additional territory on the east and southeast was added from Utah and Arizona 

territories, and the state assumed generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Nevada are available 

beginning with the 1860 census. The 1860 census population is for the area of present-day Nevada 

formed from Utah Territory. (The portion of present-day Nevada, then in New Mexico Territory, was not 

enumerated in 1860.) The population of the entire legally established Utah Territory (of which the area of 

Nevada was a part) in 1860 was 47,130. For an explanation of the revision to the 1870 population of 

Nevada, see Richard L. Forstall, Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, 

Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996, page 104.

Data for the legally established state of Nevada are available beginning with the 1870 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Nevada has 28 federally recognized American Indian areas. There are 27 reservations, 4 with offreservation trust land. There is also one trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Nevada has three metropolitan statistical areas, five micropolitan statistical areas, and three combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 17 counties and equivalents in Nevada. There are 16 counties, each governed by a board of 

county commissioners. Carson City is an independent city that is a functioning governmental unit at the 

place level and a county equivalent.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 71 county subdivisions in Nevada. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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first established in Nevada for the 1990 census. Prior to 1990, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

included election precincts, judicial districts, and townships (non-functioning administrative areas). 

PLACES

Nevada has 129 places; 19 incorporated places and 110 census designated places (CDPs). There are 

18 cities and 1 place with no legal descriptor, Carson City. The minimum population threshold for 

incorporation is 250. Carson City is a county equivalent with a single census county division.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Nevada has 687 census tracts, 1,836 block groups, and 84,538 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Nevada had three congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Nevada has four congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Nevada has 17 unified school districts. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 19 senatorial districts and 42 assembly districts in Nevada.

URBAN AREAS

Nevada has 26 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 23 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 176 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Nevada.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_32.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010637° 02′ 37′′ 116° 11′ 30′′

2000637° 09′ 57′′ 116° 18′ 17′′

1990537° 25′ 14′′ 116° 34′ 24′′

1980437° 33′ 10′′ 116° 45′ 24′′

1970337° 38′ 16′′ 116° 45′ 08′′

1960338° 01′ 07′′ 117° 05′ 37′′

1950338° 36′ 39′′ 117° 14′ 18′′

1940239° 19′ 52′′ 117° 23′ 02′′

1930239° 31′ 50′′ 117° 27′ 24′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1920139° 20′ 41′′ 117° 31′ 23′′

1910139° 16′ 48′′ 117° 33′ 18′′

1900139° 51′ 36′′ 117° 49′ 23′′

1890139° 31′ 55′′ 118° 01′ 46′′

1880139° 41′ 41′′ 117° 59′ 22′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Clark

County 1,951,269 Nye County 18,181.92 Carson City 382.1

Place

- Inc 

Place

Las Vegas

city 583,756

Boulder City

city 208.52 Las Vegas city 4,298.2

- CDP

Paradise

CDP 223,167

Pahrump

CDP 301.73 Winchester CDP 6,444.2

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 110 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

New Hampshire

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,316,470 (42nd)

Land Area: 8,952.65 square miles (44th)

Density: 147 persons per square mile (21

st)

Capital: Concord

Became a State: June 21, 1788 (9th)

Bordering States: Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: NH

ANSI/FIPS Code: 33

HISTORY

The area of New Hampshire was part of the original territory of the United States. It was originally 

included in the Charter of New England in 1620, but a separate grant established New Hampshire in 

1629. In 1641, the area reunited with Massachusetts, and separated and reunited several times until it 

finally became a separate provincial government in 1741.

New Hampshire ratified the U.S. Constitution on June 21, 1788; it was the ninth of the original 13 states 

to join the Union. The state’s boundary with Canada was not formally established until the WebsterAshburton Treaty of 1842, when New Hampshire assumed generally the same boundary as the present 

state.

Census data for New Hampshire are available beginning with the 1790 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

New Hampshire has core based statistical areas based on both counties (metropolitan statistical areas, 

micropolitan statistical areas, metropolitan divisions, and combined statistical areas) and county 

subdivisions (metropolitan New England city and town areas (NECTAs), micropolitan NECTAs, NECTA 

divisions, and combined NECTAs).

There are two metropolitan statistical areas, six micropolitan statistical areas, one metropolitan division, 

two combined statistical areas, four metropolitan NECTAs, seven micropolitan NECTAs, four NECTA 

divisions, and three combined NECTAs.

COUNTIES

New Hampshire has 10 counties, all of which are active; however, they only provide a few services. Each 

county is governed by a board of commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 260 county subdivisions in New Hampshire known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 

222 towns with functioning, but not necessarily active governments, each governed by a board of 

selectmen. One of the towns, Livermore town in Grafton County, is inactive. There are six townships in 

Coos County, which are nonfunctioning nongovernmental subdivisions of the county. There are also four 

locations, six purchases, eight grants, and one undefined MCD that is constituted of water area. In 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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addition, New Hampshire has 13 incorporated places which are independent of their county subdivisions, 

functioning as county subdivision equivalents. 

PLACES

New Hampshire has 96 places; 13 incorporated places and 83 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places in New Hampshire are cities and can only legally exist in a single county. 

Incorporated places are independent of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

New Hampshire has 295 census tracts, 922 block groups, and 48,837 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2011-January 2013) New Hampshire had two congressional districts. 

For the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), New Hampshire continues to have two 

congressional districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

New Hampshire has 88 elementary school districts, 10 secondary school districts, and 82 unified school 

districts. The Dresden unified school district is an interstate school district with schools in both Hanover, 

New Hampshire and Norwich, Vermont. The Rivendell unified school district is an interstate school 

district with schools in Orford, New Hampshire and Fairlee, Vermont.

STATE LEGLISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 24 state senate districts and 103 state house districts in New Hampshire.

URBAN AREAS

New Hampshire has 25 urban areas; 5 urbanized areas and 20 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS (ZCTA)

There are 248 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in New Hampshire.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

In New Hampshire, the entities with local government power are towns and cities. A town can become a 

city by obtaining a charter from the state legislature. Each charter provides for the form of government of 

each city. Towns and cities differ mainly because cities do not have a “town-meeting” form of government, 

but there are some towns that do not have meetings and are not “cities.” Changes to town boundaries are 

rare, but can occur if all towns affected by the changes agree with the decision.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_33.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010643° 09′ 17′′ 71° 27′ 43′′

2000643° 09′ 11′′ 71° 27′ 48′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1990543° 09′ 42′′ 71° 27′ 55′′

1980443° 10′ 43′′ 71° 28′ 25′′

1970343° 11′ 35′′ 71° 28′ 45′′

1960343° 14′ 25′′ 71° 28′ 51′′

1950343° 20′ 25′′ 71° 32′ 05′′

1940243° 20′ 38′′ 71° 34′ 34′′

1930243° 20′ 50′′ 71° 34′ 55′′

1920143° 21′ 30′′ 71° 32′ 17′′

1910143° 21′ 18′′ 71° 32′ 10′′

1900143° 26′ 01′′ 71° 34′ 44′′

1890143° 26′ 01′′ 71° 35′ 23′′

1880143° 26′ 25′′ 71° 35′ 50′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Hillsborough County 400,721 Coos County 1,794.69

Hillsborough 

County 457.4

Place

- Inc 

Place Manchester city 109,565 Concord city 64.24 Manchester city 3,310.1

- CDP Derry CDP 22,015 Derry CDP 15.22 Durham CDP 3,846.4

Town

Derry town, 

Rockingham County 33,109

Pittsburg town, 

Coos County 281.37

Hampton town, 

Rockingham 

County 1,195.9
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 114 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

New Jersey

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 8,791,894 (11th)

Land Area: 7,354.2 square miles (46th)

Density: 1,195.5 persons per square mile (1st)

Capital: Trenton

Became a State: December 18, 1787 (3rd)

Bordering States: Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania

Abbreviation: NJ

ANSI/FIPS Code: 34

HISTORY

The area of New Jersey was part of the original territory of the United States. It was originally chartered in 

1664. West Jersey was split from New Jersey in 1676, but they reunited in 1702. New Jersey ratified the 

U.S. Constitution on December 18, 1787; it was the third of the original 13 states to join the Union, with 

generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data for New Jersey are available beginning with the 1790 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

New Jersey has two state designated tribal statistical areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

New Jersey has seven metropolitan statistical areas, five metropolitan divisions, and two combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 21 counties in New Jersey. All of the counties are functioning governmental entities, each

governed by a board of chosen freeholders.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

New Jersey has 571 county subdivisions which are known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 242 

townships with functioning, but not necessarily active, governments. The 324 incorporated places in New 

Jersey are independent of any MCD and serve as county subdivisions. There are also five undefined 

MCDs representing water area. All areas of the state have a township government except areas within 

an incorporated place. Each town is governed by a mayor and township committee.

PLACES

New Jersey has 545 places; 324 incorporated places and 221 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 254 boroughs, 52 cities, 15 towns, and 3 villages. The incorporated places 

are independent of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

New Jersey has 2,010 census tracts, 6,320 block groups, and 169,588 census blocks.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009 – January 2011), New Jersey had 13 congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), New Jersey has 12 congressional districts as a result 

of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

New Jersey has 282 elementary school districts, 47 secondary school districts, and 233 unified school 

districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 40 state senate districts and 40 general assembly districts in New Jersey. In addition, there is 

one undefined state legislative district and one undefined state senate districts which are comprised of 

water area.

URBAN AREAS

New Jersey has 26 urban areas; 10 urbanized areas and 16 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 595 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in New Jersey.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Much of New Jersey’s population is concentrated in the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NYNJ-PA and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD metropolitan statistical areas. New Jersey 

is highly urbanized and the average population density is the highest of any other state.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_34.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010640° 25′ 55′′ 74° 25′ 56′′

2000640° 26′ 18′′ 74° 25′ 41′′

1990540° 26′ 25′′ 74° 25′ 46′′

1980440° 27′ 50′′ 74° 25′ 02′′

1970340° 29′ 45′′ 74° 24′ 04′′

1960340° 30′ 10′′ 74° 23′ 18′′

1950340° 26′ 29′′ 74° 25′ 53′′

1940240° 32′ 18′′ 74° 23′ 44′′

1930240° 32′ 18′′ 74° 23′ 30′′

1920140° 28′ 19′′ 74° 24′ 34′′

1910140° 29′ 24′′ 74° 26′ 20′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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1900140° 27′ 54′′ 74° 29′ 37′′

1890140° 37′ 19′′ 74° 30′ 14′′

1880140° 25′ 48′′ 74° 31′ 01′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Bergen County 905,116 Burlington County 798.58 Hudson County 13,731.4

Place

- Inc 

Place Newark city 277,140 Vineland city 68.42 Guttenberg town 57,116

- CDP Toms River CDP 88,791 Toms River CDP 38.95

Silver Lake CDP

(Essex County) 13,011.5

Township

Edison township, 

Middlesex County 99,967

Hamilton township, 

Atlantic County 111.13

Irvington township, 

Essex County 18,417.0

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 117 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

New Mexico

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 2,059,179 (36th)

Land Area: 121,298.2 square miles (5th)

Density: 17 persons per square mile (45th)

Capital: Santa Fe

Became a State: January 6, 1912 (47th)

Bordering States: Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah

International Border: Mexico

Abbreviation: NM

ANSI/FIPS Code: 35

HISTORY

The United States acquired almost all the area of New Mexico from Mexico in 1848. The United States 

acquired a small area, comprising the southwestern corner of New Mexico, from Mexico in 1853 as part of 

the Gadsden Purchase. New Mexico Territory was organized from the acquired area December 13, 1850, 

and included most of present-day Arizona and New Mexico as well as parts of Colorado and Nevada. The 

territory was reduced with the organization of Colorado Territory in 1861 and Arizona Territory in 1863 to 

assume generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data are available for New Mexico beginning with the 1850 census. The 1850 census population 

is for the entire New Mexico Territory, including areas not in present-day New Mexico. For an explanation 

of the revision to the 1860 population of New Mexico, see Richard L. Forstall, Population of States and 

Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996, page 

110.

Data for the legally established state of New Mexico are available beginning with the 1920 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

New Mexico has 23 federally recognized American Indian reservations; 11 with off-reservation trust lands. 

There are also two joint-use areas.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

New Mexico has 4 metropolitan statistical areas, 15 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 33 counties in New Mexico. The counties are functioning governmental units, each governed 

by a board of commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 130 county subdivisions in New Mexico. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which 

are delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs 

were first established in New Mexico for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in 

the census were election precincts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

New Mexico has 443 places; 102 incorporated places and 341 are census designated places (CDPs). 

The incorporated places consist of 35 cities, 19 towns, and 48 villages. The minimum population required 

for incorporation is 150. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

New Mexico has 499 census tracts, 1,449 block groups, and 168,609 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), New Mexico had three congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), New Mexico continues to have three congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

New Mexico has 89 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 42 state senate districts and 70 state house districts in New Mexico.

URBAN AREAS

New Mexico has 46 urban areas; 6 urbanized areas and 40 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 372 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs).

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_35.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010634° 37′ 58′′ 106° 21′ 16′′

2000634° 37′ 23′′ 106° 20′ 32′′

1990534° 36′ 42′′ 106° 16′ 47′′

1980434° 37′ 12′′ 106° 14′ 19′′

1970334° 34′ 45′′ 106° 06′ 53′′

1960334° 31′ 56′′ 106° 01′ 00′′

1950334° 34′ 07′′ 105° 53′ 50′′

1940234° 37′ 05′′ 105° 50′ 35′′

1930234° 40′ 12′′ 105° 53′ 44′′

1920134° 44′ 34′′ 105° 55′ 13′′

1910134° 49′ 05′′ 105° 43′ 08′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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1900134° 55′ 00′′ 106° 09′ 41′′

1890134° 58′ 19′′ 106° 09′ 01′′

1880135° 09′ 35′′ 106° 10′ 35′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Bernalillo

County

662,564 Catron County 6,923.69 Bernalillo County 570.8

Place

- Inc 

Place

Albuquerque 

city

545,852 Albuquerque 

city

187.73 Albuquerque city 2,907.6

- CDP

South Valley

CDP

40,976 Lake Sumner

CDP

62.17 Paradise Hills CDP 4,207.5

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 120 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

New York

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 19,378,102 (3rd)

Land Area: 47,126.4 square miles (30th)

Density: 411.2 persons per square mile (7th)

Capital: Albany

Became a State: July 26, 1788 (11th)

Bordering States: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode 

Island, Vermont

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: NY

ANSI/FIPS Code: 36

HISTORY

The area of New York was part of the original territory of the United States. When originally chartered in 

1664, it included a much larger area. A portion was sold to create New Jersey in 1664, and title claims 

were ceded in 1682 to Delaware and Pennsylvania. In 1780, New York ceded area to the United States 

that became part of the Northwest Territory in 1787. New York ratified the U.S. Constitution on July 26, 

1788; it was the 11th of the original 13 states to join the Union. In 1791, New York consented to the 

statehood separation of Vermont; in 1792, it sold area along Lake Erie (the Erie Triangle) to 

Pennsylvania, to assume generally the same boundary as the present state.

Census data for New York are available beginning with the 1790 census. The 1790 census data do not 

include population included in present-day Pennsylvania or Vermont. These areas were enumerated as 

parts of those states, although the Erie Triangle and all of the state of Vermont legally were part of New 

York at the time of the census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

New York has eight federally recognized American Indian reservations. There is one tribal designated 

statistical area (TDSA). There are also two state recognized reservations.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

New York has 12 metropolitan statistical areas, 15 micropolitan statistical areas, 2 metropolitan divisions, 

and 6 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 62 counties in New York. The five counties that comprise New York city (Bronx, Kings, New 

York, Queens, and Richmond) are governmentally consolidated with the city. The remaining 57 counties 

are functioning governmental units, each governed by a board of supervisors, county legislature, board of 

representatives, a legislative board, or a board of legislators.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,023 county subdivisions in New York known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 932 

towns with functioning, but not necessarily active governmental units. East Rochester, Mount Kisco, and 

Scarsdale towns are coextensive with a single incorporated place and have joint MCD/place 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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governments. Green Island and Harrison towns are coextensive with a single incorporated place and 

have separate active township governments. Each town is governed by a town supervisor or town 

manager and a town council or town board.

The five boroughs that comprise New York city (one borough in each of the five counties) are not 

considered to be functioning governmental units. There are 61 cities in New York that are independent of 

MCDs and serve as 62 county subdivisions. There are 14 county subdivisions comprised of American 

Indian reservations. American Indian areas have a special legal status regarding their relationship to 

state and county government and are treated by the Census Bureau as county subdivision equivalents for 

the portion of the reservation within each county. 

Minor civil divisions are legally incorporated municipal corporations within the state. They provide a range 

of services to their residents and are empowered to tax property within their boundaries to raise revenue. 

Villages in New York are places dependent within towns and are not treated as minor civil divisions, with 

the exception of the five town-village governments. 

In addition, there are 10 undefined MCDs that consist entirely of water.

PLACES

New York has 1,189 places; 617 incorporated places and 572 census designated places. The 

incorporated places consist of 62 cities and 555 villages. Cities are independent of any town or American 

Indian reservation. Villages are dependent within county subdivision. New York city is coextensive with 

the five boroughs (MCDs). Green Island, East Rochester, Harrison, Mount Kisco, and Scarsdale villages 

are coextensive with a single town of the same name and have consolidated place/MCD governments. 

Pelham and Pelham Manor villages together are coextensive with a single town, Pelham, in Westchester 

County. City, town, and village governments have similar powers and perform similar functions.

In New York there is no set progression from village to city status. Cities independent of other county 

subdivisions are chartered by the state and there is no minimum population size to become a city. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

New York has 4,919 census tracts, 15,464 block groups, and 350,169 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), New York had 29 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), New York has 27 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

New York has 14 elementary school districts, 3 secondary school districts, and 669 unified school 

districts. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 62 state senate districts and 150 assembly districts in New York.

URBAN AREAS

New York has 127 urban areas; 17 urbanized areas and 110 urban clusters.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,794 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in New York.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

New York is the only state to have been among the top five most populous states since the first census in 

1790. 

New York city has been the nation’s most populous city each decade since 1790. 

Brooklyn was once a separate city; it merged with New York in 1898.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_36.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010641° 30′ 05′′ 74° 37′ 15′′

2000641° 30′ 27′′ 74° 38′ 43′′

1990541° 32′ 37′′ 74° 41′ 38′′

1980441° 32′ 45′′ 74° 43′ 06′′

1970341° 30′ 49′′ 74° 43′ 02′′

1960341° 30′ 21′′ 74° 43′ 12′′

1950341° 30′ 23′′ 74° 44′ 31′′

1940241° 29′ 50′′ 74° 43′ 45′′

1930241° 31′ 32′′ 74° 46′ 01′′

1920141° 36′ 13′′ 74° 50′ 59′′

1910141° 39′ 29′′ 74° 51′ 50′′

1900141° 48′ 00′′ 74° 45′ 51′′

1890141° 54′ 51′′ 74° 51′ 56′′

1880142° 00′ 04′′ 74° 54′ 50′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 123 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND DENSLEY POPULATED AREA

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Kings County 2,504,700 St. Lawrence 

County

2,630.38 New York County 69,468.4

Place

- Inc 

Place

New York city 8,175,133 New York city 302.64 Kaser village 27,420.1

- CDP

Cheektowaga CDP 75,178 Calverton CDP 28.03 Bellerose Terrace

CDP

17,637.2

Town

Hempstead town, 

Nassau County

759,757 Webb town, 

Herkimer County

452.28 Eastchester town, 

Westchester County

6,668.6

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 124 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

North Carolina

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 9,535,483 (10th)

Land Area: 48,617.9 square miles (29th)

Density: 196.1 persons per square mile (15th)

Capital: Raleigh

Became a State: November 21, 1789 (12th)

Bordering States: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

Abbreviation: NC

ANSI/FIPS Code: 37

HISTORY

The area of North Carolina was part of the original territory of the United States. Both North Carolina and 

South Carolina were included in the charter that established Carolina in 1663. The two areas separated in 

1712—a separation that was finalized when the Carolina Colony was dissolved in 1729—with generally 

the same shared boundary as the present states. However, they did not settle on a final boundary until 

1813. North Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution on November 21, 1789; it was the 12th of the original 13 

states to join the Union. North Carolina ceded its territory westward to the Mississippi River, comprising 

present-day Tennessee, to the United States in 1790, to assume generally the same boundary as the 

present state.

Census data for North Carolina are available beginning with the 1790 census. For an explanation of the 

revision to the 1810 population of North Carolina, see Richard L. Forstall, Population of States and 

Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996, page 

118.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

North Carolina has one federally recognized American Indian reservation and seven state designated 

tribal statistical areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

North Carolina has 15 metropolitan statistical areas, 26 micropolitan statistical areas, and 5 combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 100 counties in North Carolina. Each county is governed by a board of county commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,041 county subdivisions in North Carolina which are known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). 

There are 1,035 townships which are nonfunctioning nongovernmental entities. Asheville city is 

independent of any MCD and serves as a county subdivision. Cleveland County dissolved all townships 

and is now a single nonfunctioning nongovernmental county subdivision named Cleveland. There are 

also four unorganized territories in North Carolina.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

North Carolina has 739 places; 553 incorporated places and 186 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 76 cities, 456 towns, and 21 villages. Dellview town is an inactive town. 

Incorporated places are dependent within county subdivision except for Asheville city in Buncombe 

County. Charlotte, Wilmington, and Winston-Salem cities are coextensive with a single township. 

Greensboro city is coextensive with two townships. Boone city contains one township plus parts of three 

additional townships, Concord city contains one township plus parts of seven additional townships, and 

Fayetteville city contains one township plus parts of six additional townships.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

North Carolina has 2,195 census tracts, 6,155 block groups, and 288,987 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), North Carolina had 13 congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), North Carolina continues to have 13 congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

North Carolina has 118 unified school districts. The Department of Defense runs two of the unified school 

districts and the Bureau of Indian Affairs runs one of the unified school districts in North Carolina.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 50 state senate districts and 120 state house districts in North Carolina.

URBAN AREAS

North Carolina has 115 urban areas; 19 urbanized areas and 96 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 808 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in North Carolina.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_37.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010635° 32′ 35′′ 79° 39′ 30′′

2000635° 33′ 12′′ 79° 40′ 04′′

1990535° 33′ 31′′ 79° 39′ 17′′

1980435° 34′ 03′′ 79° 40′ 33′′

1970335° 34′ 28′′ 79° 40′ 12′′

1960335° 34′ 58′′ 79° 35′ 25′′

1950335° 36′ 33′′ 79° 36′ 56′′

1940235° 36′ 28′′ 79° 38′ 40′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1930235° 36′ 46′′ 79° 36′ 30′′

1920135° 36′ 48′′ 79° 31′ 27′′

1910135° 37′ 23′′ 79° 29′ 49′′

1900135° 38′ 13′′ 79° 28′ 37′′

1890135° 38′ 22′′ 79° 25′ 11′′

1880135° 38′ 35′′ 79° 18′ 37′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Mecklenburg

County 919,628 Robeson County 949.22

Mecklenburg

County 1,755.5

Place

- Inc 

Place Charlotte city 731,424 Charlotte city 297.68 Lake Park village 4,371.2

- CDP

Murraysville

CDP 14,215

Lake Norman of 

Catawba CDP 23.84 Silver Lake CDP 2,281.7

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 127 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

North Dakota

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 672,591 (48th)

Land Area: 69,000.8 square miles (17th)

Density: 9.7 persons per square mile (47th)

Capital: Bismarck

Became a State: November 2, 1889 (39th)

Bordering States: Minnesota, Montana, South Dakota

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: ND

ANSI/FIPS Code: 38

HISTORY

The United States acquired most of the area of North Dakota from France in 1803 as part of the 

Louisiana Purchase. It obtained the area in the north and northeast part of the present-day state by a 

convention, signed with Great Britain in 1818 that extended the northern boundary along the 49th parallel. 

Dakota Territory was organized on March 2, 1861, from unorganized area formerly within Minnesota 

Territory and part of Nebraska Territory. Dakota Territory included all of the present-day states of North 

Dakota and South Dakota, most of Montana, the northern half of Wyoming, and a small part of Nebraska. 

The territory was reduced in 1863 with the organization of Idaho Territory, enlarged in 1864 with the 

addition of most of the remainder of present-day Wyoming, and again reduced with the organization of 

Wyoming Territory in 1868. In 1882, the state of Nebraska acquired an area north of the Keya Paha River 

and Niobrara River. North Dakota was admitted to the Union simultaneously with South Dakota on 

November 2, 1889, as the 39th and 40th states, with generally the same boundaries as the present states.

Census data for the combined area in present-day North Dakota and South Dakota are available in the 

1860 census (and listed in national tables with South Dakota). The 1860 census population is for territory 

reported as “unorganized Dakota” and includes population in areas now in Montana. The 1860 population 

excludes some population enumerated in Nebraska Territory. Although the state had not yet been legally 

established, the 1870 and 1880 populations generally are for the area of the present state. The 

population of Dakota Territory as legally established was 135,177 in 1880 and 14,181 in 1870.

Data for the legally established state of North Dakota are available beginning with the 1890 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

North Dakota has five federally recognized American Indian area reservations, two with off-reservation 

trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

North Dakota has three metropolitan statistical areas, five micropolitan statistical areas, and one

combined statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are 53 counties in North Dakota. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed 

by a board of county commissioners.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

North Dakota has 1,765 county subdivisions which are minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,317 

townships which are functioning, but not necessarily active, governmental entities. Townships are 

governed by a board of township supervisors. Rushville township, Ward County is inactive. There are 

357 incorporated places which are independent of MCDs and serve as 364 county subdivisions. There 

are also 84 unorganized territories. Billings, Dunn, Mercer, Oliver, and Stark Counties have no townships 

and are covered entirely by unorganized territories or cities independent of any MCDs.

PLACES

North Dakota has 401 places; 357 incorporated places and 44 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places are all cities. There is no minimum population for incorporation in North Dakota. All 

incorporated places are independent of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

North Dakota has 205 census tracts, 572 block groups, and 133,769 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), North Dakota had one congressional district. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), North Dakota continues to have one congressional 

district as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

North Dakota has 29 elementary school districts and 155 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 47 state senate districts and 47 state house districts in North Dakota.

URBAN AREAS

North Dakota has 16 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 13 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 393 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in North Dakota.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

The geographical center of North America is located near the city of Rugby.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_38.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010647° 20′ 54′′ 99° 18′ 34′′

2000647° 22′ 31′′ 99° 20′ 05′′

1990547° 24′ 50′′ 99° 24′ 56′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 129 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1980447° 25′ 40′′ 99° 30′ 38′′

1970347° 27′ 48′′ 99° 30′ 57′′

1960347° 28′ 11′′ 99° 33′ 57′′

1950347° 27′ 31′′ 99° 35′ 42′′

1940247° 28′ 14′′ 99° 40′ 13′′

1930247° 28′ 21′′ 99° 47′ 20′′

1920147° 28′ 43′′ 99° 46′ 27′′

1910147° 30′ 32′′ 99° 39′ 47′′

1900147° 31′ 40′′ 98° 42′ 27′′

1890147° 28′ 35′′ 98° 20′ 25′′

1880147° 02′ 03′′ 98° 09′ 37′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Cass County 149,778 McKenzie County 2,760.32 Cass County 84.9

Place

- Inc Place Fargo city 105,549 Fargo city 48.82 Fort Yates city 2,917.4

- CDP

Minot AFB 

CDP 5,521 Cannon Ball CDP 88.27 Ruthville CDP

 

1,251.9 
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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 131 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Ohio

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 11,536,504 (7th)

Land Area: 40,860.69 square miles (35th)

Density: 282.3 persons per square mile (10th)

Capital: Columbus

Became a State: March 1, 1803 (17th)

Bordering States: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: OH

ANSI/FIPS Code: 39

HISTORY

The area of Ohio was part of the original territory of the United States, being part of lands ceded by four 

states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the River Ohio.” It also 

included the area known as the Connecticut Western Reserve, which was not ceded by Connecticut to 

the United States until 1800. Ohio Territory was organized on April 30, 1802, from the Northwest Territory, 

with generally the same boundary as the present state. Ohio was admitted to the Union on February 19, 

1803, as the 17th state. Ohio acquired legal title to the area known as the Toledo Strip when Michigan 

ceded its claim in 1836. 

Although not yet legally established as a separate entity, census data for Ohio are available beginning 

with the 1800 census. The 1800 census population for Michigan includes the population of a small area in 

present-day Ohio. The 1800 population of the legally established Northwest Territory (of which Ohio was 

a part) was 45,916. For an explanation of the revision to the 1800 population of Ohio, see Richard L. 

Forstall, Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: U.S. 

Government Printing Office, 1996, page 126.

Data for the legally established state of Ohio are available beginning with the 1810 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Ohio has 16 metropolitan statistical areas, 29 micropolitan statistical areas, and 9 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 88 counties in Ohio. Each county is governed by a board of county commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,604 county subdivisions in Ohio known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,324 

townships of which are all functioning governmental units except for unpopulated Wayne township in 

Montgomery County and 15 townships that are wholly within the boundaries of an incorporated place. 

(Any township that is entirely within an incorporated place is nonfunctioning.) A nonfunctioning township 

is created when a place that is independent of townships annexes area from an adjacent township, but 

does not remove the annexed area from the original township. Where this occurs, the Census Bureau 

creates a fictitious township, generally named after the incorporated place, that conforms to the area that 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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is independent of any township. There are 258 incorporated places that are wholly or partially 

independent of any county subdivision creating 274 entities that the Census Bureau treats as equivalent 

to county subdivisions. In addition, there are five undefined MCDs that represent water area.

PLACES

Ohio has 1,204 places; 938 incorporated places and 266 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 250 cities and 688 villages. There are 179 cities and 79 villages that are 

entirely or partially independent of the surrounding county subdivisions creating 192 and 82 county 

subdivisions, respectively. Of the 179 cities, 13 cities are partially independent, that is, the city is 

independent of county subdivisions in one county and dependent in another. These 13 cities are Alliance, 

Columbus, Crestline, Dublin, Fostoria, Galion, Huber Heights, Middletown, Rittman, Sharonville, Union, 

Vermilion, and Westerville. Lastly, there are 11 cities and three villages that contain an entire 

nonfunctioning township and also are dependent within a governmental township. These places are 

Celina, Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Galion, Lancaster, Mansfield, Medina, Reynoldsburg, Union, and 

Westerville cities; and Creston, Seville, and Sunbury villages. Lastly, there are five cities that can legally 

exist in only one township but are not coextensive—Gahanna, Geneva, Springboro (Warren County 

portion only), Troy, and Worthington cities.

Cities have a minimum population of 5,000 and villages have a population less than 5,000 and are 

classified based on Census Bureau counts as certified by the Ohio Secretary of State.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Ohio has 2,952 census tracts, 9,238 block groups, and 365,344 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Ohio had 18 congressional districts. For the 113th

Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Ohio has 16 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Ohio has 616 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 33 state senate districts and 99 state house districts in Ohio. In addition, there is one state 

house district undefined and one state senate district undefined that encompass water area.

URBAN AREAS

Ohio has 155 urban areas; 18 urbanized areas and 137 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,197 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Ohio.
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HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_39.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010640° 27′ 19′′ 82° 46′ 24′′

2000640° 28′ 51′′ 82° 44′ 58′′

1990540° 29′ 46′′ 82° 44′ 18′′

1980440° 31′ 12′′ 82° 42′ 02′′

1970340° 32′ 42′′ 82° 40′ 45′′

1960340° 32′ 42′′ 82° 39′ 20′′

1950340° 31′ 33′′ 82° 41′ 27′′

1940240° 31′ 18′′ 82° 38′ 21′′

1930240° 32′ 12′′ 82° 37′ 49′′

1920140° 33′ 11′′ 82° 41′ 36′′

1910140° 28′ 48′′ 82° 48′ 25′′

1900140° 24′ 12′′ 82° 54′ 45′′

1890140° 22′ 59′′ 82° 53′ 56′′

1880140° 20′ 17′′ 82° 53′ 48′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Cuyahoga

County 1,280,122 Ashtabula County 701.93

Cuyahoga

County 2,800.0

Place

- Inc 

Place Columbus city 787,033 Columbus city 217.17 Lakewood city 9,419.3

- CDP

Boardman

CDP 35,376 Boardman CDP 15.12 Northbrook CDP 5,474.5
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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 135 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Oklahoma

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 3,751,351 (28th)

Land Area: 68,594.2 square miles (19th)

Density: 54.7 persons per square mile (35th)

Capital: Oklahoma City

Became a State: November 16, 1907 (46th)

Bordering States: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas

Abbreviation: OK

ANSI/FIPS Code: 40

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Oklahoma from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. 

Part of present-day Oklahoma, which had been included in Arkansas Territory, was ceded to Spain by 

conclusion of a treaty in 1819; the ceded area was reacquired as part of the annexation of Texas in 1845. 

The area of Oklahoma was part of unorganized territory designated as Indian Country or Indian Territory 

on June 20, 1834, although this conflicted with territory already included within Missouri Territory. 

Oklahoma Territory was organized on May 2, 1890, from the western part of Indian Territory and the 

Public Land Strip (the panhandle, which was sold to the United States by Texas), and resulted in the 

territory being in two pieces. The territory was enlarged with the addition of the Cherokee Outlet, which 

joined Oklahoma Territory into a single area. The Supreme Court affirmed the claim of Oklahoma to the 

Greer County area in southwest Oklahoma in 1896. Oklahoma Territory and the remaining Indian 

Territory were combined, and Oklahoma was admitted to the Union on November 16, 1907, as the 46th

state, with generally the same boundary as the present state. A boundary dispute with Texas was settled 

in 1930, deleting a narrow strip of territory from Oklahoma. 

Census data are available for Oklahoma beginning with the 1890 census. The 1890 and 1900 census 

populations reported for Oklahoma include the population for Indian Territory. The population of 

Oklahoma Territory as legally established was 398,331 in 1900 and 78,475 in 1890. The population of 

Indian Territory as legally established was 392,060 in 1900 and 180,182 in 1890. The Census Bureau 

conducted a special census of the Oklahoma and Indian territories on July 7, 1907. The population of the 

entire area was 1,414,177.

Data for the legally established state of Oklahoma are available beginning with the 1910 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Oklahoma has 1 federally recognized American Indian area reservation, 25 Oklahoma tribal statistical 

areas (OTSAs), and 4 joint-use OTSAs. The OTSAs represent the former reservations.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Oklahoma has 4 metropolitan statistical areas, 18 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined 

statistical areas.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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COUNTIES

There are 77 counties in Oklahoma. All counties are functioning governments, each governed by a board 

of county commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 305 county subdivisions in Oklahoma. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established for the 1970 census. Prior to 1970, the minor civil divisions used in the census include 

townships (most of which were non-functioning, administrative areas) and election precincts.

PLACES

Oklahoma has 733 places, 597 incorporated places and 136 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 164 citites and 433 towns. There are four inactive towns – Erin Springs, 

New Woodville, Oak Grove, and Smithville. Cities have a minimum population of 1,000 and villages have 

a population less than 1,000. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Oklahoma has 1,046 census tracts, 2,965 block groups, and 269,118 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Oklahoma had five congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Oklahoma continues to have five congressional districts as 

a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Oklahoma has 106 elementary school districts and 426 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 48 state senate districts and 101 state house districts in Oklahoma.

URBAN AREAS

Oklahoma has 86 urban areas; 5 urbanized areas and 81 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 649 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Oklahoma. 

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_40.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010635° 35′ 54′′ 96° 50′ 12′′

2000635° 35′ 53′′ 96° 50′ 05′′

1990535° 35′ 22′′ 96° 51′ 53′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1980435° 35′ 17′′ 96° 53′ 15′′

1970335° 35′ 02′′ 96° 56′ 20′′

1960335° 35′ 07′′ 96° 53′ 08′′

1950335° 33′ 54′′ 96° 55′ 42′′

1940235° 29′ 53′′ 96° 52′ 32′′

1930235° 30′ 40′′ 96° 58′ 53′′

1920135° 28′ 33′′ 96° 52′ 48′′

1910135° 28′ 19′′ 97° 05′ 28′′

1900135° 30′ 25′′ 96° 57′ 32′′

1890135° 18′ 58′′ 96° 28′ 01′′

18801not available not available

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Oklahoma

County 718,633 Osage County 2,246.36 Tulsa County 1,058.1

Place

- Inc 

Place

Oklahoma 

City city 579,999

Oklahoma City 

city 606.41

Sportsman Acres 

town 3,910.0

- CDP

Park Hill

CDP 3,909 Kenwood CDP 45.06 Turley CDP 760.3
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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 139 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Oregon

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 3,831,074 (27th)

Land Area: 95,988 square miles (10th)

Density: 39.9 persons per square mile (39th)

Capital: Salem

Became a State: February 14, 1859 (33rd)

Bordering States: California, Idaho, Nevada, Washington

Abbreviation: OR

ANSI/FIPS Code: 41

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Oregon by a treaty with Great Britain in 1846. Oregon Territory 

was organized from the acquired area on August 14, 1848, and included all of present-day Oregon, 

Idaho, and Washington and part of western Montana and Wyoming. The territory was reduced in 1853 

when Washington Territory was organized. In 1859, additional territory was transferred to Washington 

Territory, leaving Oregon with generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data for Oregon are available beginning with the 1850 census. The 1850 population is for the 

area in present-day Oregon; it does not include the entire territory as legally established. The population 

of Oregon Territory as legally constituted in 1850 was 13,294.

Data for the legally established state of Oregon are available beginning with the 1860 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Oregon has 11 American Indian area reservations, 6 with off-reservation trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Oregon has 6 metropolitan statistical areas, 13 micropolitan statistical areas, and 2 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

Oregon has 36 counties. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a board of 

county commissioners. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 212 county subdivisions in Oregon. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Oregon for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

were election precincts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 140 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

PLACES

Oregon has 377 places; 242 incorporated places and 135 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 233 cities and 9 towns. There is one inactive city, Greenhorn. The 

minimum population for incorporation is 150. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Oregon has 834 census tracts, 2,634 block groups, and 196,621 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Oregon had five congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Oregon will continue to have five congressional districts as 

a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Oregon has 9 elementary school districts, 1 secondary school district, and 188 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 30 state senate districts and 60 state house districts in Oregon.

URBAN AREAS

Oregon has 71 urban areas; 10 urbanized areas and 61 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 419 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Oregon.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_41.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010644° 44′ 36′′ 122° 35′ 07′′

2000644° 43′ 56′′ 122° 34′ 46′′

1990544° 42′ 55′′ 122° 35′ 04′′

1980444° 41′ 39′′ 122° 33′ 53′′

1970344° 44′ 33′′ 122° 33′ 10′′

1960344° 44′ 07′′ 122° 29′ 42′′

1950344° 44′ 53′′ 122° 26′ 43′′

1940244° 48′ 07′′ 122° 17′ 18′′

1930244° 51′ 22′′ 122° 16′ 40′′

1920144° 55′ 41′′ 122° 13′ 33′′

1910144° 52′ 12′′ 122° 12′ 04′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 141 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

1900144° 55′ 58′′ 121° 56′ 00′′

1890144° 46′ 13′′ 122° 00′ 09′′

1880144° 39′ 37′′ 122° 18′ 00′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Multnomah

County 735,334 Harney County 10,133.17 Multnomah County 1,704.9

Place

- Inc Place Portland city 583,776 Portland city 133.43 Johnson City city 8,123.7

- CDP Aloha CDP 49,425

Warm Springs

CDP 42.52 Labish Village CDP 7,580.0

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 142 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Pennsylvania

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 12,702,379 (6th)

Land Area: 44,742.7 square miles (32nd)

Density: 283.9 persons per square mile (9th)

Capital: Harrisburg

Became a State: December 12, 1787 (2nd)

Bordering States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: PA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 42

HISTORY

The area of Pennsylvania was part of the original territory of the United States. It was chartered in 1681, 

although New York did not relinquish its claim to the area until the following year. The southern boundary 

was resolved with the survey of the Mason and Dixon Line in the 1760s. Connecticut had claims to 

Pennsylvania territory resolved by award of the Continental Congress in 1782. Pennsylvania ratified the 

U.S. Constitution on December 12, 1787; it was the second of the original 13 states to join the Union. 

Pennsylvania assumed generally the same boundary as the present state with the acquisition of the Erie 

Triangle from New York in 1792. Pennsylvania is one of four states that are legally described as a 

commonwealth. 

Census data for Pennsylvania are available beginning with the 1790 census. Any population that was 

enumerated in the Erie Triangle was included in Pennsylvania, although this area was not legally part of 

the state until 1792.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Pennsylvania has 16 metropolitan statistical areas, 21 micropolitan statistical areas, 2 metropolitan 

divisions, and 8 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 67 counties in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia County and Philadelphia city are governmentally 

consolidated and function as a municipal government. All other counties are each governed by a board 

of county commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

Pennsylvania has 2,575 county subdivisions known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,546 

townships with active functioning governments and 1 township, Cold Spring township in Lebanon County, 

which is an inactive entity. Each township is governed by an elected board of commissioners or a board 

of supervisors. The 1,015 incorporated places are independent of MCDs and serve as 1,027 county 

subdivisions. In addition, there is one undefined MCD that consists entirely of water area.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 143 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

PLACES

Pennsylvania has 1,764 places; 1,015 incorporated places and 749 census designated places (CDPs). 

The incorporated places consist of 954 boroughs, 57 cities, 3 municipalities, and 1 town. MCD and place 

governments have the same power and functions in Pennsylvania. Incorporated places in Pennsylvania 

are independent of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Pennsylvania has 3,218 census tracts, 9,740 block groups, and 421,545 blocks. 

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Pennsylvania had 19 congressional districts. For 

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Pennsylvania has 18 congressional districts as a result 

of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Pennsylvania has 501 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 50 state senate districts and 203 state house districts in Pennsylvania.

URBAN AREAS

Pennsylvania has 137 urban areas; 27 urbanized areas and 110 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,798 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Pennsylvania.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 144 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_42.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010640° 27′ 24′′ 77° 00′ 35′′

2000640° 27′ 49′′ 77° 04′ 33′′

1990540° 27′ 52′′ 77° 07′ 20′′

1980440° 28′ 12′′ 77° 12′ 09′′

1970340° 27′ 17′′ 77° 11′ 59′′

1960340° 27′ 36′′ 77° 15′ 56′′

1950340° 30′ 24′′ 77° 18′ 17′′

1940240° 30′ 21′′ 77° 20′ 11′′

1930240° 30′ 25′′ 77° 19′ 08′′

1920140° 32′ 05′′ 77° 18′ 30′′

1910140° 32′ 05′′ 77° 17′ 50′′

1900140° 35′ 50′′ 77° 15′ 05′′

1890140° 35′ 14′′ 77° 12′ 30′′

1880140° 35′ 18′′ 77° 10′ 02′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Philadelphia County 1,526,006 Lycoming County 1,228.59 Philadelphia County 11,379.5

Place

- Inc 

Place Philadelphia city 1,526,006 Philadelphia city 134.10 Millbourne borough 15,636.6

- CDP Levittown CDP 52,983 Fort Indiantown Gap CDP 19.31

Shippensburg 

University CDP 9,403.4

Township

Upper Darby 

township, Delaware 

County 82,795

Shippen township, 

Cameron County 156.62

Upper Darby 

township, Delaware 

County 10,580.3
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 145 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 146 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Rhode Island

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,052,567 (43rd)

Land Area: 1,033.8 square miles (50th)

Density: 1,018.1 persons per square mile (2nd)

Capital: Providence

Became a State: May 29, 1790 (13th)

Bordering States: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York

Abbreviation: RI

ANSI/FIPS Code: 44

HISTORY

The area of Rhode Island was part of the original territory of the United States. An original patent was 

granted for the Providence Plantations in 1643, and a charter was granted for the Colony of Rhode Island 

and Providence Plantations in 1663. Rhode Island ratified the Constitution on May 29, 1790; it was the 

13th of the original 13 states to join the Union, with generally the same boundary as the present state. 

However, there were changes to the boundary between Rhode Island and Massachusetts in 1862, and 

additional changes from a resurvey of that boundary in 1897. The official name of the state is “State of 

Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.”

Census data for Rhode Island are available beginning with the 1790 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Rhode Island has one federally recognized American Indian reservation.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Rhode Island has core based statistical areas based on both counties (metropolitan statistical areas and 

combined statistical areas) and county subdivisions (metropolitan New England city and town areas

(NECTAs) and combined NECTAs).

There is one metropolitan statistical area, one combined statistical area, two metropolitan NECTAs, and 

one combined NECTA.

COUNTIES

There are five counties in Rhode Island. Counties in Rhode Island were legally abolished as 

governmental units but they continue to serve as geographic subdivisions of the state for Census Bureau

purposes.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 40 county subdivisions in Rhode Island which are known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There 

are 31 towns which are functioning governmental units, each governed by a town council. The eight 

cities in Rhode Island are independent of MCDs and serve as county subdivisions. In addition, there is 

one undefined MCD which consists of water area.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 147 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

PLACES

Rhode Island has 34 places; 8 incorporated places and 26 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places in Rhode Island are all cities and can legally exist in a single county only. All MCD 

and place governments in Rhode Island have the same powers and function. Incorporated places are 

independent of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Rhode Island has 244 census tracts, 815 block groups, and 25,181 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Rhode Island had two congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Rhode Island continues to have two congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Rhode Island has 5 elementary school districts, 1 secondary school district, and 30 unified school 

districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 38 state senate districts and 75 state house districts in Rhode Island.

URBAN AREAS

Rhode Island has 4 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 1 urban cluster.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 77 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Rhode Island.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Rhode Island is the smallest in land area of the 50 states.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_44.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010641° 45′ 13′′ 71° 27′ 03′′

2000641° 45′ 12′′ 71° 26′ 56′′

1990541° 45′ 16′′ 71° 26′ 47′′

1980441° 45′ 34′′ 71° 26′ 31′′

1970341° 45′ 39′′ 71° 26′ 02′′

1960341° 46′ 13′′ 71° 25′ 52′′

1950341° 46′ 47′′ 71° 26′ 15′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 148 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1940241° 48′ 36′′ 71° 32′ 01′′

1930241° 48′ 50′′ 71° 32′ 04′′

1920141° 47′ 43′′ 71° 26′ 27′′

1910141° 47′ 24′′ 71° 27′ 40′′

1900141° 47′ 05′′ 71° 27′ 42′′

1890141° 46′ 46′′ 71° 27′ 49′′

1880141° 46′ 14′′ 71° 27′ 40′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Providence County 626,667 Providence County 409.50 Bristol County

 

2,064.0

Place

- Inc 

Place Providence city 178,042 Warwick city 35.04 Central Falls city

 

16,171.7 

- CDP Westerly CDP 17,936 Westerly CDP 15.82 Kingston CDP

 

4,480.6 

Town

Coventry town, Kent 

County 35,014

Coventry town, Kent 

County 59.05

North Providence town, 

Providence County 5,708.8
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 149 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

LIST OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 150 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

South Carolina

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 4,625,364 (24th)

Land Area: 30,060.7 square miles (40th)

Density: 153.9 persons per square mile (20th)

Capital: Columbia

Became a State: May 23, 1788 (8th)

Bordering States: Georgia, North Carolina

Abbreviation: SC

ANSI/FIPS Code: 45

HISTORY

The area of South Carolina was part of the original territory of the United States. Both North Carolina and 

South Carolina were included in the charter that established Carolina in 1663. The two areas separated in 

1712—a separation that was finalized when the Carolina Colony was dissolved in 1729—with generally 

the same shared boundary as the present states. However, they did not settle on a final boundary until 

1813. South Carolina ceded area to the United States to assume generally the same boundary as the 

present state; the ceded area became part of the Georgia and Mississippi Territory in 1802. South 

Carolina ratified the U.S. Constitution on May 23, 1788; it was the eighth of the original 13 states to join 

the Union. 

Census data for South Carolina are available beginning with the 1790 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

South Carolina has one federally recognized American Indian reservation and six state designated tribal 

statistical areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

South Carolina has 10 metropolitan statistical areas, 13 micropolitan statistical areas, and 4 combined 

statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 46 counties in South Carolina. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed 

by a county council.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 299 county subdivisions in South Carolina. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which 

are delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs 

were first established for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

included townships (administrative, nonfunctioning governmental units) and school districts.

PLACES

South Carolina has 395 places; 269 incorporated places and 126 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 69 cities and 200 towns. Incorporated places are each governed by a city 

or town council. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 151 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

There are 1,103 census tracts, 3,059 block groups, and 181,908 census blocks in South Carolina.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), South Carolina had six congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), South Carolina has seven congressional districts as a

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

South Carolina has 2 elementary school districts, 2 secondary school districts, and 86 unified school 

districts. Two of the unified school districts are run by the Department of Defense.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 46 state senate districts and 124 state house districts in South Carolina.

URBAN AREAS

South Carolina has 63 urban areas; 14 urbanized areas and 49 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 424 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in South Carolina.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_45.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010634° 01′ 31′′ 81° 00′ 40′′

2000634° 02′ 04′′ 81° 01′ 57′′

1990534° 01′ 58′′ 81° 01′ 38′′

1980434° 02′ 50′′ 81° 02′ 08′′

1970334° 03′ 35′′ 81° 02′ 55′′

1960334° 03′ 45′′ 81° 01′ 48′′

1950334° 04′ 22′′ 81° 02′ 15′′

1940234° 05′ 25′′ 81° 03′ 16′′

1930234° 05′ 22′′ 81° 04′ 49′′

1920134° 02′ 35′′ 81° 03′ 42′′

1910134° 02′ 02′′ 81° 04′ 01′′

1900134° 00′ 18′′ 80° 59′ 49′′

1890133° 59′ 12′′ 80° 58′ 50′′

1880133° 58′ 47′′ 80° 58′ 46′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Greenville County 451,225 Horry County 1,133.90 Greenville County 574.7

Place

- Inc 

Place Columbia city 129,272 Columbia city 132.21 Summerville town 2,404.7

- CDP Taylors CDP 21,617 Hopkins CDP 16.51 Sangaree CDP 4,047.6

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 153 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

South Dakota

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 814,180 (46th)

Land Area: 75,811 square miles (16th)

Density: 10.7 persons per square mile (46th) 

Capital: Pierre

Became a State: November 2, 1889 (39th)

Bordering States: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming

Abbreviation: SD

ANSI/FIPS Code: 46

HISTORY

The United States acquired almost all of the area of South Dakota from France in 1803 as part of the 

Louisiana Purchase. A small portion in the northeast part of the present-day state was added by a 

convention signed with Great Britain in 1818. Dakota Territory was organized on March 2, 1861, from 

unorganized area formerly within Minnesota Territory and part of Nebraska Territory. Dakota Territory 

included all of the present-day states of North Dakota and South Dakota, most of Montana, the northern 

half of Wyoming, and a small part of Nebraska. The territory was reduced in 1863 with the organization of 

Idaho Territory, enlarged in 1864 with the addition of most of the remainder of present-day Wyoming, and 

again reduced with the organization of Wyoming Territory in 1868. In 1882, the state of Nebraska 

acquired an area north of the Keya Paha River and Niobrara River. South Dakota was admitted to the 

Union simultaneously with North Dakota on November 2, 1889, as the 39th and 40th states, with generally 

the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data for the combined area in present-day North Dakota and South Dakota are available in the 

1860 census (and listed in national tables with South Dakota). The 1860 census population is for territory 

reported as unorganized Dakota and territory now in Montana. Although the state had not yet been legally 

established, the 1870 and 1880 populations are for the area of the present state. The population of 

Dakota Territory as legally established was 135,177 in 1880 and 14,181 in 1870.

Data for the legally established state of South Dakota are available beginning with the 1890 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

South Dakota has 11 American Indian areas. There are nine reservations, four with associated offreservation trust lands. There are also two off-reservation trust lands associated with reservations in 

neighboring states.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

South Dakota has three metropolitan statistical areas, nine micropolitan statistical areas, and one 

combined statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are 66 counties in South Dakota. Each county is governed by a board of commissioners.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 154 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 1,339 county subdivisions in South Dakota known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are

914 townships with functioning, but not necessarily active, governments. Townships are each governed 

by a board of supervisors. The 311 incorporated places in South Dakota are independent of MCDs and 

serve as 320 county subdivisions. In addition, there are 105 unorganized territories in South Dakota. 

Bennett, Bon Homme, Buffalo, Campbell, Custer, Dewey, Haakon, Harding, Potter, Shannon, Stanley, 

Sully, Todd, Walworth, and Ziebach Counties have no townships and are covered entirely by unorganized 

territories and incorporated places.

PLACES

South Dakota has 390 places; 311 incorporated places and 79 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 156 cities, 154 towns, and 1 village. Incorporated places are independent 

of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACT/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

South Dakota has 222 census tracts, 654 block groups, and 88,360 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), South Dakota had one congressional district. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), South Dakota continues to have one congressional 

district as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

South Dakota has 156 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 35 state senate districts and 37 state house districts in South Dakota.

URBAN AREAS

South Dakota has 28 urban areas; 3 urbanized areas and 25 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 387 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in South Dakota.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_46.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010644° 00′ 52′′ 99° 00′ 08′′

2000644° 02′ 51′′ 99° 02′ 38′′

1990544° 05′ 17′′ 99° 05′ 33′′

1980444° 06′ 42′′ 99° 03′ 23′′

1970344° 08′ 29′′ 98° 57′ 55′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1960344° 08′ 37′′ 98° 57′ 28′′

1950344° 16′ 16′′ 98° 50′ 19′′

1940244° 13′ 58′′ 98° 46′ 48′′

1930244° 15′ 03′′ 98° 46′ 31′′

1920144° 19′ 25′′ 98° 40′ 39′′

1910144° 19′ 48′′ 98° 50′ 06′′

1900144° 21′ 20′′ 98° 25′ 09′′

1890144° 16′ 52′′ 98° 24′ 26′′

1880143° 59′ 28′′ 98° 18′ 04′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Minnehaha County 169,468 Meade County 3,470.98 Minnehaha County 210.0

Place

- Inc 

Place Sioux Falls City 153,888 Sioux Falls city 72.96 Vermillion city

 

2,624.0

- CDP Rapid Valley CDP 8,260 Okreek CDP 44.99 Lower Brule CDP

 

1,686.7 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 157 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Tennessee

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 6,346,105 (17th)

Land Area: 41,234.9 square miles (34th)

Density: 153.9 persons per square mile (19th)

Capital: Nashville

Became a State: June 1, 1796 (16th)

Bordering States: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, 

North Carolina, Virginia

Abbreviation: TN

ANSI/FIPS Code: 47

HISTORY

The area of Tennessee was originally part of North Carolina. North Carolina ceded the area of Tennessee 

in 1790 to the United States, and this area was organized as the “territory . . . south of the Ohio River” on 

April 12, 1790. Tennessee was admitted to the Union on June 1, 1796, as the 16th state. Upon resolution 

of a boundary dispute with Kentucky in 1820, Tennessee assumed generally the same boundary as the 

present state. 

Census data for Tennessee are available separately beginning with the 1790 census. The 1790 

population shown for Tennessee is for the Southwest Territory, which generally had the present state 

boundary.

Data for the legally established state of Tennessee are available beginning with the 1800 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Tennessee has 10 metropolitan statistical, 20 micropolitan statistical areas, and 6 combined statistical 

areas.

COUNTIES

There are 95 counties in Tennessee. Hartsville-Trousdale County is a consolidated county/city 

government with a legal description of “Government” and has one set of government officials. Lynchburg, 

Moore County is a consolidated county/city government with a legal description of “Metropolitan 

Government” and has one set of government officials. Nashville-Davidson is a consolidated city with a 

legal description of “Metropolitan Government.” The remaining 92 counties are each governed by a 

county legislature.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 844 county subdivisions in Tennessee. Beginning with the 2010 Census the state of 

Tennessee is using the county commissioner districts as minor civil divisions (MCDs). The county 

commissioner districts are nonfunctioning nongovernmental subdivisions of counties. From the 1960 

census until Census 2000 each of Tennessee’s counties had between 1 and 12 census county divisions 

(CCDs) depending on the size and extent of urbanization of the county. Prior to 1960, the minor civil 

divisions used in the census were civil districts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

Tennessee has 428 places, 347 incorporated places and 81 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 182 cities, 162 towns, 1 metropolitan government, 1 with no descriptor, and 

1 balance of county for the portion of Nashville-Davidson consolidated city outside the separately 

incorporated places in Davidson County. The minimum population for incorporation in Tennessee is 

1,500. Incorporated places are dependent within county subdivision. Hartsville-Trousdale is coextensive 

with Trousdale County, Lynchburg-Moore County is coextensive with Moore County, and NashvilleDavidson is coextensive with Davidson County.

Tennessee has one consolidated city, Nashville-Davidson, which is coextensive with Davidson County. 

Nashville-Davidson contains the separately incorporated places of Belle Meade, Berry Hill, Forest Hills, 

Lakewood, and Oak Hill cities, and the part of Goodlettsville city and the part of Ridgetop town in 

Davidson County. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Tennessee has 1,497 census tracts, 4,125 block groups, and 240,116 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Tennessee had nine congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Tennessee continues to have nine congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

There are 16 elementary school districts, 16 secondary school districts, and 120 unified school districts in 

Tennessee. The Department of Defense runs one school district in Tennessee.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 33 state senate districts and 99 state house districts in Tennessee.

URBAN AREAS

Tennessee has 91 urban areas; 12 urbanized areas and 79 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 631 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Tennessee.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_47.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010635° 48′ 29′′ 86° 21′ 33′′

2000635° 47′ 45′′ 86° 23′ 52′′

1990535° 47′ 00′′ 86° 25′ 52′′

1980435° 46′ 46′′ 86° 25′ 18′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1970335° 45′ 45′′ 86° 30′ 06′′

1960335° 45′ 51′′ 86° 26′ 32′′

1950335° 47′ 36′′ 86° 27′ 28′′

1940235° 48′ 59′′ 86° 24′ 47′′

1930235° 49′ 00′′ 86° 27′ 22′′

1920135° 48′ 53′′ 86° 32′ 01′′

1910135° 49′ 16′′ 86° 33′ 47′′

1900135° 50′ 06′′ 86° 36′ 19′′

1890135° 50′ 07′′ 86° 35′ 58′′

1880135° 50′ 09′′ 86° 38′ 37′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Shelby County 927,644 Shelby County 763.17 Davidson County 1,243.3

Place

- Inc 

Place Memphis city 646,889

Nashville-Davidson 

Metropolitan Government

(balance) 475.13 East Ridge city 2,533.9

- CDP Middle Valley CDP 12,684 Sale Creek CDP 30.20 Green Hill CDP 1,910.1
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 161 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Texas

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 25,145,561 (2nd)

Land Area: 261,231.7 square miles (2nd)

Density: 96.3 persons per square mile (26th)

Capital: Austin

Became a State: December 29, 1845 (28th)

Bordering States: Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma

International Border: Mexico

Abbreviation: TX

ANSI/FIPS Code: 48

HISTORY

Texas was originally part of Mexico, achieving independence as the Republic of Texas in 1836. The 

United States acquired the area of Texas through annexation and Texas was admitted to the Union on 

March 1, 1845, as the 28th state. At the time of statehood, Texas included part of present-day Colorado, 

Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Texas sold territory to the United States in 1850 to 

assume generally the same boundary as the present state, but there were some subsequent revisions. In 

1896, the Supreme Court ruled the Texas claim to the Greer County area in southwest Oklahoma to be 

invalid, and the area was officially deemed to be part of Oklahoma. An additional boundary dispute with 

Oklahoma was settled in 1930 by adding a narrow strip of territory to Texas. As the Rio Grande has 

changed its course, the United States and the Republic of Mexico have made periodic adjustments to 

their boundary that affected the boundary of Texas. 

Census data for Texas are available beginning with the 1850 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Texas has three federally recognized American Indian reservations, two with off-reservation trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Texas has 25 metropolitan statistical areas, 44 micropolitan statistical areas, 2 metropolitan divisions, and 

8 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 254 counties in Texas. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a 

Commissioners Court.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 862 county subdivisions in Texas. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Texas for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census 

included justice precincts and commissioner’s precincts as well as beats, election precincts, voting 

precincts, and school districts.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

Texas has 1,752 places; 1,214 incorporated places and 538 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 956 cities, 234 towns, and 24 villages. Places in Texas have extensive 

annexation powers. Nesbitt town and Rangerville village are inactive places in Texas. A minimum 

population of 200 is required for incorporation. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Texas has 5,265 census tracts, 15,811 block groups, and 914,231 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Texas had 32 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Texas has 36 congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

There are 7 elementary school districts, 7 secondary school districts, and 1,022 unified school districts in 

Texas. 

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 31 state senate districts and 150 state house districts in Texas.

URBAN AREAS

Texas has 306 urban areas; 34 urbanized areas and 272 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 1,939 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Texas. 

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Data users should be aware of the large number of statistical and administrative areas in Texas. Texas 

geographical files are large and complex. The TIGER/Line Shapefiles for Texas are the largest of those 

for any state.

Texas is the only state to enter the United States by treaty as opposed to territorial annexation. This 

allows the Texas flag to fly at the same height as the US flag.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_48.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010630° 54′ 19′′ 97° 21′ 56′′

2000630° 56′ 35′′ 97° 23′ 19′′

1990530° 58′ 52′′ 97° 26′ 31′′

1980430° 59′ 33′′ 97° 27′ 25′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1970331° 04′ 52′′ 97° 31′ 30′′

1960331° 05′ 56′′ 97° 40′ 59′′

1950331° 07′ 30′′ 97° 35′ 10′′

1940231° 15′ 51′′ 97° 28′ 32′′

1930231° 22′ 53′′ 97° 34′ 11′′

1920131° 28′ 34′′ 97° 19′ 12′′

1910131° 31′ 23′′ 97° 15′ 14′′

1900131° 28′ 35′′ 96° 52′ 26′′

1890131° 26′ 11′′ 96° 50′ 52′′

1880131° 20′ 50′′ 96° 38′ 30′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Harris County 4,092,459

Brewster

County 6,183.73 Dallas County 2,718.0

Place

- Inc 

Place Houston city 2,099,451 Houston city 599.59 Mobile City city 11,579.2

- CDP

The Woodlands

CDP 93,847 Canyon Lake 143.33

Cameron Park

CDP 12,819.2
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 165 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Utah

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 2,763,885 (34th)

Land Area: 82,169.62 (12th)

Density: 33.6 persons per square mile (41st)

Capital: Salt Lake City

Became a State: January 4, 1896 (45th)

Bordering States: Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Wyoming

Abbreviation: UT

ANSI/FIPS Code: 49

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Utah from Mexico in 1848. Utah Territory was organized on 

September 9, 1850, from the acquired area plus a small portion of territory sold to the United States by 

Texas. Utah Territory included all of present-day Utah, most of Nevada, and part of western Colorado and 

southwestern Wyoming. The territory was reduced in 1861 with the organization of Colorado and Nevada 

territories, and additional area was lost to Nevada in 1862 and 1866. The territory was further reduced in 

1863 with the organization of Idaho Territory and in 1868 with the organization of Wyoming Territory, to 

arrive at generally the same boundary as the present state. Utah was admitted to the Union on January 4, 

1896, as the 45th state.

Census data are available for Utah beginning with the 1850 census. The 1850 census population is for 

the entire area of the territory, including areas not in present-day Utah. The 1860 census population does 

not include the area now in Nevada, but does include portions of Utah Territory in Colorado and 

Wyoming, although no population was reported for the Colorado portion. The 1860 population for legally 

existing Utah Territory was 47,130. For an explanation of the revision to the 1870 population of Utah, see 

Richard L. Forstall, Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790-1990, Washington, DC: 

U.S. Government Printing Office, 1996, page 162.

Data for the legally established state of Utah are available beginning with the 1900 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Utah has seven federally recognized American Indian reservations, two with off-reservation trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Utah has five metropolitan statistical areas, five micropolitan statistical areas, and one combined 

statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are 29 counties in Utah. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a 

board of county commissioners or a county council.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

Utah has 93 county subdivisions. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are delineated for 

statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were first established 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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in Utah for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the census included election 

precincts and election districts. 

PLACES

Utah has 326 places; 245 incorporated places and 81 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 144 cities and 101 towns. The minimum population for incorporation is 

100. When towns reach a population of 800 they become a third-class city. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Utah has 588 census tracts, 1,690 block groups, and 115,406 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Utah had three congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Utah has four congressional districts as a result of 

reapportionment based on the 2010 Census. 

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Utah has 41 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 29 state senate districts and 75 state house districts in Utah.

URBAN AREAS

Utah has 36 urban areas; 5 urbanized areas and 31 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 294 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Utah.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_49.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010640° 24′ 05′′ 111° 55′ 37′′

2000640° 26′ 20′′ 111° 54′ 01′′

1990540° 29′ 29′′ 111° 51′ 51′′

1980440° 30′ 59′′ 111° 49′ 33′′

1970340° 33′ 51′′ 111° 49′ 43′′

1960340° 32′ 10′′ 111° 50′ 07′′

1950340° 27′ 57′′ 111° 47′ 16′′

1940240° 22′ 01′′ 111° 48′ 53′′

1930240° 22′ 26′′ 111° 49′ 12′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1920140° 22′ 19′′ 111° 47′ 04′′

1910140° 23′ 06′′ 111° 47′ 46′′

1900140° 16′ 02′′ 111° 45′ 29′′

1890140° 18′ 53′′ 111° 46′ 47′′

1880140° 13′ 56′′ 111° 54′ 30′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Salt Lake County 1,029,655 San Juan County 7,819.99 Salt Lake County 1,387.1

Place

- Inc 

Place Salt Lake City city 186,440 Salt Lake City city 111.11 Taylorsville city 5,406.8

- CDP Millcreek CDP 62,139 La Sal CDP 47.56 Kearns CDP 7,717.0

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 168 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Vermont

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 625,741 (49th)

Land Area: 9,216.7 square miles (43rd)

Density: 67.9 persons per square mile (30th)

Capital: Montpelier

Became a State: March 4, 1791 (14th)

Bordering States: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: VT

ANSI/FIPS Code: 50

HISTORY

The area of Vermont was part of the original territory of the United States. It was included in the Charter 

of New England in 1620, but was later included in grants creating New York in 1664 and 1674. 

Representatives of 51 towns in the present area declared an independent state of “New Connecticut alias 

Vermont” in 1777, but also referred to the area as the “New Hampshire Grants.” New York consented to 

the statehood separation of Vermont, which was admitted to the Union on February 18, 1791, as the 14th

state, with generally the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data for Vermont are available beginning with the 1790 census.

Data for the legally established state of Vermont are available beginning with the 1800 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Vermont has core based statistical areas based on both counties (metropolitan statistical areas, 

micropolitan statistical areas, and combined statistical areas) and county subdivisions (metropolitan New 

England city and town areas (NECTAs), micropolitan NECTAs, and combined NECTAs).

There is one metropolitan statistical area, five micropolitan statistical areas, one combined statistical area, 

one metropolitan NECTA, five micropolitan NECTAs, and two combined NECTAs.

COUNTIES

There are 14 counties in Vermont. All counties are functioning governmental entities. The principal 

administrative officers of each county are two assistant or side judges.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 255 county subdivisions in Vermont. There are 242 towns with functioning, but not necessarily 

active, governments each governed by a board of selectmen. Five of these towns – Averill, Ferdinand, 

Glastenbury, Lewis, and Somerset – are inactive governmental entities. The nine cities in Vermont are 

independent of MCDs and serve as county subdivisions. The three gores and one grant are 

nonfunctioning nongovernmental geographic subdivisions of the county. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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PLACES

Vermont has 119 places; 46 incorporated places and 73 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 9 cities and 37 villages. The nine cities are independent of MCDs and 

serve as nine county subdivisions. Jericho village is inactive. Villages are dependent within county 

subdivision. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Vermont has 184 census tracts, 522 block groups, and 32,580 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Vermont had one congressional district. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Vermont continues to have one congressional district as a 

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Vermont has 175 elementary school districts, 34 secondary school districts, and 64 unified school 

districts. The Dresden unified school district is an interstate school district with schools in both Hanover, 

New Hampshire and Norwich, Vermont. The Rivendell unified school district is an interstate school 

district with schools in Orford, New Hampshire and Fairlee, Vermont.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 13 state senate districts and 108 state house districts in Vermont.

URBAN AREAS

Vermont has 22 urban areas; 1 urbanized area and 21 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 255 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Vermont.

OTHER INFORMATION OF GENERAL GEOGRAPHIC INTEREST

Montpelier, VT has the smallest population of any state capital with just 7,855 people (as of the 2010 

Census).

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_50.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010644° 05′ 42′′ 72° 48′ 59′′

2000644° 04′ 52′′ 72° 48′ 52′′

1990544° 03′ 53′′ 72° 48′ 39′′

1980444° 03′ 24′′ 72° 48′ 21′′

1970344° 02′ 45′′ 72° 48′ 24′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1960344° 01′ 05′′ 72° 46′ 46′′

1950344° 02′ 54′′ 72° 46′ 58′′

1940244° 02′ 31′′ 72° 44′ 27′′

1930244° 02′ 57′′ 72° 43′ 52′′

1920144° 02′ 46′′ 72° 45′ 03′′

1910144° 03′ 00′′ 72° 44′ 56′′

1900144° 03′ 18′′ 72° 39′ 01′′

1890144° 02′ 38′′ 72° 42′ 48′′

1880144° 01′ 45′′ 72° 43′ 05′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Chittenden 

County 156,545 Windsor County 969.34

Chittenden 

County 291.7

Place

- Inc Place Burlington city 42,417

South Burlington 

city 16.49 Winooski city 5,076.6

- CDP

Bennington 

CDP 9,074 Middlebury CDP 13.91 Wilder CDP 2,078.3

Town

Essex town, 

Chittenden 

County 19,587

Stowe town, 

Lamoille County 72.60

Essex town, 

Chittenden 

County 504.5
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 172 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Virginia

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 8,001,024 (12th)

Land Area: 39,490.1 square miles (36th)

Density: 202.6 persons per square mile (14th)

Capital: Richmond

Became a State: June 25, 1788 (10th) 

Bordering States: District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, 

Tennessee, West Virginia

Abbreviation: VA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 51

HISTORY

The area of Virginia was part of the original territory of the United States. Virginia was the first chartered 

colony, with the original 1606 charter including the entire Eastern Seaboard. Individual charters provided 

to other colonies reduced the size of Virginia. In 1784, Virginia ceded area to the United States that 

became the Northwest Territory in 1787. Virginia ratified the U.S. Constitution on June 26, 1788; it was 

the tenth of the original 13 states to join the Union. At the time of statehood, Virginia included all of 

present-day Kentucky and West Virginia. The area of the state was reduced in 1791 by the formation of 

the District of Columbia and in 1792 when Virginia ceded the area that became the state of Kentucky. 

Virginia added territory in 1846 when the portion of the District of Columbia taken from Virginia was 

retroceded to the state. The state of West Virginia, consisting of 48 counties, was established from 

Virginia on June 20, 1863; in 1866, Congress officially added two more counties (Berkeley and Jefferson) 

to West Virginia, leaving Virginia with generally the same boundary as the present state. Virginia is one of 

four states that are legally described as a commonwealth. 

Census data for Virginia are available beginning with the 1790 census. The populations shown from 1790 

to 1860 are for the present boundary of Virginia. These data include, from 1800 to 1840, the portion of the 

District of Columbia not formally part of Virginia until 1846, and do not include the area of Kentucky in 

1790 or the counties taken to form West Virginia from 1790 to 1860. The population of Virginia as legally 

existing from 1860 to 1790 was: 1,596,318 in 1860; 1,421,661 in 1850; 1,239,797 in 1840; 1,211,405 in 

1830; 1,065,366 in 1820; 974,600 in 1810; 880,200 in 1800; and 821,287 in 1790.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Virginia has two state recognized American Indian reservations and two state designated tribal statistical 

areas (SDTSAs).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Virginia has 11 metropolitan statistical areas, 4 micropolitan statistical areas, 1 metropolitan division, and 

2 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 134 counties and equivalents in Virginia. There are 95 functioning governmental counties, 

each governed by a board of supervisors or county board (Arlington County only). The remaining 39 
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entities are independent cities that are independent of any county and are functioning governmental units 

at the place level. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 550 county subdivisions in Virginia known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 510 

districts that are used for the election of county supervisors and are known as either magisterial districts 

or election districts. Arlington County is not divided into districts so the entire entity is a county 

subdivision named Arlington. The 39 independent cities are independent of MCDs and serve as county 

subdivisions.

PLACES

Virginia has 591 places; 229 incorporated places and 362 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 39 cities and 190 towns. The 190 towns in Virginia are dependent with 

county subdivision. Culpeper town is coextensive with two magisterial districts. The 39 cities in Virginia 

are independent of any county and county subdivision. 

The 39 independent cities in Virginia are:

Alexandria

Bedford

Bristol

Buena Vista

Charlottesville

Chesapeake

Colonial Heights

Covington

Danville

Emporia

Fairfax

Falls Church

Franklin

Fredericksburg

Galax

Hampton

Harrisonburg

Hopewell

Lexington

Lynchburg

Manassas

Manassas Park

Martinsville

Newport News

Norfolk

Norton

Petersburg

Poquoson

Portsmouth

Radford

Richmond

Roanoke

Salem

Staunton

Suffolk

Virginia Beach

Waynesboro

Williamsburg

Winchester

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Virginia has 1,907 census tracts, 5,332 block groups, and 285,762 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Virginia had 11 congressional districts. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Virginia will continue to have 11 congressional districts as 

a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Virginia has 1 elementary school district and 137 unified school districts. The Department of Defense 

runs two unified school districts in Virginia.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 40 state senate districts and 100 state house districts in Virginia.
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URBAN AREAS

Virginia has 75 urban areas; 14 urbanized areas and 61 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 898 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Virginia.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_51.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010637° 48′ 37′′ 77° 48′ 40′′

2000637° 45′ 01′′ 77° 50′ 09′′

1990537° 41′ 53′′ 77° 52′ 28′′

1980437° 38′ 19′′ 78° 00′ 03′′

1970337° 36′ 20′′ 77° 58′ 35′′

1960337° 30′ 58′′ 78° 06′ 23′′

1950337° 26′ 28′′ 78° 21′ 53′′

1940237° 27′ 16′′ 78° 41′ 47′′

1930237° 26′ 11′′ 78° 39′ 32′′

1920137° 23′ 38′′ 78° 30′ 23′′

1910137° 25′ 05′′ 78° 33′ 58′′

1900137° 26′ 19′′ 78° 32′ 54′′

1890137° 28′ 31′′ 78° 33′ 29′′

1880137° 29′ 34′′ 78° 29′ 51′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Fairfax County 1,081,726 Pittsylvania County 968.94 Alexandria city 9,314.3

Place

- Inc 

Place

Virginia Beach 

city 437,994 Suffolk city 400.17 Alexandria city

 

9,314.3 
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- CDP Arlington CDP 207,627 Mechanicsville CDP 28.31 Seven Corners CDP

 

13,526.0

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Washington

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 6,724,540 (13th)

Land Area: 66,455.5 square miles (20th)

Density: 101.2 persons per square mile (25th)

Capital: Olympia

Became a State: November 11, 1889 (42nd)

Bordering States: Idaho, Oregon

International Border: Canada

Abbreviation: WA

ANSI/FIPS Code: 53

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Washington through a treaty with Great Britain in 1846. 

Washington Territory was organized from part of Oregon Territory on March 2, 1853; it included all of 

present-day Washington, northern Idaho, and northwestern Montana. In 1859, when Oregon was 

admitted as a state, the remainder of Oregon Territory the rest of Idaho, additional area of Montana, and 

part of Wyoming was added to Washington Territory. Washington Territory assumed generally the same 

boundary as the present state when Idaho Territory was organized in 1863. Washington was admitted to 

the Union on November 11, 1889, as the 42nd state. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Washington are available 

beginning with the 1850 census. The 1850 and 1860 populations are for the entire territory as legally 

established in 1859, when it included all of Idaho and part of Montana and Wyoming. The population of 

the entire legally established Oregon Territory (of which the area of Washington was a part) in 1850 was 

13,294.

Data for the legally established state of Washington are available beginning with the 1890 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Washington has 27 federally recognized American Indian reservations, 15 with off-reservation trust land. 

There is also one tribal designated statistical area (TDSA).

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Washington has 12 metropolitan statistical areas, 9 micropolitan statistical areas, 2 metropolitan divisions, 

and 1 combined statistical area.

COUNTIES

There are 39 counties in Washington. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by 

a board of county commissioners except for Clallam, King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties 

which are each governed by a county council. Six counties, Clallam, King, Pierce, San Juan, Snohomish, 

and Whatcom, have Home Rule Charters, which among other things, give the counties broad planning 

powers.
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COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 242 county subdivisions in Washington. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which 

are delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs 

were first established in Washington for the 1950 census. Prior to 1950, the minor civil divisions included 

election precincts, townships and/or land survey townships, and American Indian reservations.

PLACES

Washington has 628 places, 281 incorporated places and 347 are census designated places (CDPs). 

The incorporated places consist of 208 cities and 73 towns. A minimum population of 3,000 is required 

for incorporation if the new entity is within 5 air miles of the boundary of a city with a population of 15,000 

or more. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Washington has 1,458 census tracts, 4,783 block groups, and 195,574 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Washington had nine congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Washington has ten congressional districts as a result 

of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Washington has 295 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 49 state senate districts and 49 state house districts in Washington.

URBAN AREAS

Washington has 81 urban areas; 14 urbanized areas and 67 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS 

There are 598 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Washington.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_53.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010647° 19′ 51′′ 121° 37′ 12′′

2000647° 20′ 30′′ 121° 37′ 28′′

1990547° 21′ 09′′ 121° 36′ 46′′

1980447° 20′ 11′′ 121° 31′ 57′′

1970347° 21′ 10′′ 121° 31′ 57′′

1960347° 21′ 11′′ 121° 24′ 04′′
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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1950347° 20′ 26′′ 121° 23′ 04′′

1940247° 19′ 48′′ 121° 09′ 34′′

1930247° 20′ 36′′ 121° 09′ 12′′

1920147° 24′ 05′′ 121° 14′ 24′′

1910147° 23′ 06′′ 121° 04′ 16′′

1900147° 19′ 50′′ 120° 46′ 35′′

1890147° 15′ 44′′ 120° 52′ 30′′

1880147° 05′ 32′′ 120° 36′ 29′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

King County 1,931,249 Okanogan

County

5,267.98 King County 912.9

Place

- Inc 

Place

Seattle city 608,660 Seattle city 83.94 Seattle city 7,250.9

- CDP South Hill CDP 52,431 Vashon CDP 36.92 White Center CDP 6,020.8
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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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West Virginia

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 1,852,994 (37th)

Land Area: 24,038.2 square miles (41st)

Density: 77.1 persons per square mile (29th)

Capital: Charleston

Became a State: June 20, 1863 (35th)

Bordering States: Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia

Abbreviation: WV

ANSI/FIPS Code: 54

HISTORY

The area of West Virginia was originally part of the colony and later the state of Virginia. West Virginia 

was separated from Virginia and admitted to the Union as a state on June 20, 1863, as the 35th state. 

West Virginia originally included 48 Virginia counties; in 1866, Congress officially added two more 

counties, Berkeley and Jefferson, to the state resulting in generally the same boundary as the present 

state.

Although West Virginia had not been legally established, census data for West Virginia are available 

beginning with the 1790 census when it was enumerated as part of Virginia. The populations shown from 

1790 to 1860, before statehood, are based on the county boundaries that existed at each census; these 

boundaries generally conformed to the present boundary of West Virginia. The population of Virginia (of 

which the area of West Virginia was a part) as legally existing from 1860 to 1790 was: 1,596,318 in 1860; 

1,421,661 in 1850; 1,239,797 in 1840; 1,211,405 in 1830; 1,065,366 in 1820; 974,600 in 1810; 880,200 in 

1800; and 821,287 in 1790.

Data for the legally established state of West Virginia are available beginning with the 1870 census.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

West Virginia has 10 metropolitan statistical areas, 6 micropolitan statistical areas, 1 metropolitan 

division, and 3 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 55 counties in West Virginia. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed 

by a county commission.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

West Virginia has 235 county subdivisions which are known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). These 

magisterial districts are all nongovernmental, nonfunctioning subdivisions of the county and are districts 

from which voters elect county commissioners and school board members. 

PLACES

West Virginia has 401 places; 232 incorporated places and 169 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 77 cities, 148 towns, 6 villages, and 1 corporation. Towns and villages 
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have a population less than 2,000 and cities have a minimum population of 2,000. Incorporated places 

are dependent within county subdivisions. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

West Virginia has 484 census tracts, 1,592 block groups, and 135,218 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), West Virginia had three congressional districts. 

For the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), West Virginia continues to have three 

congressional districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

West Virginia has 55 county-coextensive unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 16 state senate districts and 58 state house districts in West Virginia.

URBAN AREAS

West Virginia has 50 urban areas; 9 urbanized areas and 41 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

West Virginia has 708 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs).

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_54.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010638° 47′ 44′′ 80° 43′ 53′′

2000638° 46′ 02′′ 80° 49′ 13′′

1990538° 44′ 46′′ 80° 52′ 41′′

1980438° 43′ 13′′ 80° 56′ 27′′

1970338° 43′ 44′′ 80° 58′ 42′′

1960338° 40′ 12′′ 81° 01′ 00′′

1950338° 36′ 14′′ 81° 00′ 51′′

1940238° 38′ 32′′ 80° 56′ 56′′

1930238° 40′ 25′′ 80° 55′ 27′′

1920138° 42′ 36′′ 80° 52′ 55′′

1910138° 45′ 32′′ 80° 49′ 12′′

1900138° 48′ 07′′ 80° 44′ 22′′

1890138° 49′ 59′′ 80° 41′ 26′′
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1880138° 53′ 20′′ 80° 37′ 47′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population

Land Area (square 

miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

Kanawha

County 193,063

Randolph

County 1,039.68 Ohio County 420.0

Place

- Inc 

Place Charleston city 51,400

Charleston

city 31.52

Shepherdstown

town 4,636.0

- CDP

Teays Valley

CDP 13,175

Upper Falls

CDP 16.93 Rand CDP 3,536.5

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Wisconsin

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 5,686,986 (20th)

Land Area: 54,157.8 square miles (25th)

Density: 105 persons per square mile (23rd)

Capital: Madison

Became a State: May 29, 1848 (30th)

Bordering States: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota

Abbreviation: WI

ANSI/FIPS Code: 55

HISTORY

The area of Wisconsin was part of the original territory of the United States, being part of lands ceded by 

four states to the United States and designated in 1787 as the “Territory northwest of the River Ohio.”

Wisconsin Territory was organized on July 3, 1836, from part of Michigan Territory; it included all of 

present-day Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota, eastern North Dakota and South Dakota, and a small part 

of northeastern Nebraska. The territory was reduced in 1838 with the organization of Iowa Territory west 

of the Mississippi River and a line northward from the river’s source. 

Although the territory had not yet been legally established, census data for Wisconsin are available 

beginning with the 1820 census. The 1840 census population is for the entire territory, including the 

portion of Minnesota northeast and east of the Mississippi River and a line northward from the river’s 

source. For an explanation of the revision to the 1820 and 1830 population of Wisconsin, see Richard L. 

Forstall, Population of States and Counties of the United States: 1790- 1990, Washington, DC: U.S. 

Government Printing Office, 1996, page 184.

Data for the legally established state of Wisconsin are available beginning with the 1850 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Wisconsin has 12 federally recognized American Indian areas. There are 11 reservations, 8 with 

associated off-reservation trust land. There is also one off-reservation trust land associated with a 

reservation in a neighboring state.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Wisconsin has 15 metropolitan statistical areas, 13 micropolitan statistical areas, 1 metropolitan division, 

and 8 combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 72 counties in Wisconsin. All counties in Wisconsin are functioning governmental entities, 

each governed by a board of supervisors. Menominee County and Menominee town are governmentally

consolidated. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

Wisconsin has 1,921 county subdivisions known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). There are 1,257 towns 

with functioning, but not necessarily active, governments. Menominee town is coextensive with 
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Menominee County and has a joint county/MCD government. Towns in Wisconsin are each governed by 

a board of supervisors. The 594 incorporated places in Wisconsin are independent of MCDs and serve 

as 651 county subdivisions. In addition, there are 13 undefined MCDs consisting entirely of water area.

PLACES

There are 773 places in Wisconsin; 594 incorporated places and 179 census designated places (CDPs). 

The incorporated places consist of 190 cities and 404 villages. The minimum population required for 

incorporation in Wisconsin is 150. Incorporated places are independent of county subdivisions.

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Wisconsin has 1,409 census tracts, 4,489 block groups, and 253,096 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Wisconsin had eight congressional districts. For

the 113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Wisconsin continues to have eight congressional 

districts as a result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Wisconsin has 46 elementary school districts, 10 secondary school districts and 371 unified school 

districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 33 state senate districts and 99 assembly districts in Wisconsin.

URBAN AREAS

Wisconsin has 120 urban areas; 18 urbanized areas and 102 urban clusters. 

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 774 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Wisconsin.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_55.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010643° 43′ 19′′ 89° 01′ 08′′

2000643° 43′ 43′′ 89° 00′ 04′′

1990543° 43′ 16′′ 88° 58′ 59′′

1980443° 43′ 09′′ 88° 58′ 32′′

1970343° 40′ 56′′ 88° 55′ 04′′

1960343° 41′ 52′′ 88° 55′ 00′′

1950343° 48′ 00′′ 89° 02′ 11′′

1940243° 50′ 10′′ 89° 06′ 51′′
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

1930243° 50′ 07′′ 89° 07′ 11′′

1920143° 55′ 42′′ 89° 12′ 46′′

1910143° 56′ 53′′ 89° 14′ 10′′

1900143° 57′ 29′′ 89° 18′ 43′′

1890143° 53′ 27′′ 89° 18′ 22′′

1880143° 44′ 57′′ 89° 17′ 06′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974

4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density 

(Persons per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Milwaukee County 947,735 Marathon County 1,544.98

Milwaukee

County 3,926.0

Place

- Inc 

Place Milwaukee city 594,833 Milwaukee city 96.12

Shorewood 

village 8,276.4

- CDP Rib Mountain CDP 5,651 Reserve CDP 53.01

French Island

CDP 2,198.0

Town

Grand Chute 

town, Outagamie 

County 20,919

Menominee town, 

Menominee County 357.61

Madison town, 

Dane County 4,234.1
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LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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Wyoming

BASIC INFORMATION

2010 Census Population: 563,626 (50th)

Land Area: 97,093.1 square miles (9th)

Density: 5.8 persons per square mile (49th)

Capital: Cheyenne

Became a State: July 10, 1890 (44th)

Bordering States: Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah

Abbreviation: WY

ANSI/FIPS Code: 56

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Wyoming from France as part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, 

from Great Britain as part of a treaty in 1846, and from territory ceded by Mexico in 1848. Wyoming 

Territory was organized from part of Dakota, Idaho, and Utah territories on July 25, 1868, with generally 

the same boundary as the present state. 

Census data are available for Wyoming beginning with the 1870 census.

Census data for the legally established state of Wyoming are available beginning with the 1900 census.

AMERICAN INDIAN AREAS

Wyoming has one American Indian reservation with off-reservation trust land.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Wyoming has two metropolitan statistical areas and seven micropolitan statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 23 counties in Wyoming. All counties are functioning governmental units, each governed by a 

board of commissioners.

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 71 county subdivisions in Wyoming. They are all census county divisions (CCDs), which are 

delineated for statistical purposes, have no legal function, and are not governmental units. CCDs were 

first established in Wyoming for the 1960 census. Prior to 1960, the minor civil divisions used in the 

census include election precincts and election districts.

PLACES

Wyoming has 203 places; 99 incorporated places and 104 census designated places (CDPs). The 

incorporated places consist of 19 cities and 80 towns. The minimum population for incorporation in 

Wyoming is 500. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Wyoming has 132 census tracts, 410 block groups, and 86,204 census blocks.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

For the 111th Congress (January 2009-January 2011), Wyoming had one congressional district. For the 

113th Congress (January 2013-January 2015), Wyoming continues to have one congressional district as a 

result of reapportionment based on the 2010 Census.

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Wyoming has 49 unified school districts.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are 30 state senate districts and 60 state house districts in Wyoming.

URBAN AREAS

Wyoming has 22 urban areas; 2 urbanized areas and 20 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 179 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Wyoming.

HISTORICAL CENTERS OF POPULATION

http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/centersofpop/histstate/historical_cenpop_56.html

Year North Latitude West 

Longitude

2010642° 41′ 49′′ 107° 01′ 09′′

2000642° 40′ 33′′ 107° 00′ 32′′

1990542° 38′ 13′′ 106° 58′ 46′′

1980442° 39′ 24′′ 106° 56′ 05′′

1970342° 40′ 09′′ 106° 46′ 59′′

1960342° 39′ 15′′ 106° 45′ 31′′

1950342° 37′ 43′′ 106° 49′ 51′′

1940242° 48′ 57′′ 106° 56′ 16′′

1930242° 48′ 51′′ 106° 53′ 59′′

1920142° 48′ 58′′ 106° 54′ 38′′

1910142° 42′ 00′′ 107° 00′ 07′′

1900142° 32′ 14′′ 106° 52′ 39′′

1890142° 24′ 46′′ 106° 36′ 27′′

1880142° 10′ 48′′ 106° 39′ 14′′

1

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1923

2

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, recomputation for historical county level data which relied upon aggregate county level population 

data with an estimated county centroid resulting in a possible error of up to one mile.

3

 Source: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census, Centers of Population for States and Counties, 1974
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

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4

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group/enumeration area data 

resulting in a possible error of up to 1,000 feet.

5

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Geography Division, recomputation from archived national block group data resulting in a possible 

error of up to 1,000 feet.

6

 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, computation from national block-level data 

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons 

per square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County Laramie County 91,738 Sweetwater County 10,426.65 Laramie County 34.2

Place

- Inc 

Place Cheyenne city 59,466 Casper city 26.90 Jackson town 3,288.0

- CDP Ranchettes CDP 5,798 Slater CDP 74.01 Sleepy Hollow CDP 3,133.4

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas. 
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 190 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

Puerto Rico

BASIC INFORMATION

Land Area: 3,423.8 square miles 

2010 Census Population: 3,725,789

Density: 1,088.2 persons per square mile 

Capital: San Juan

Became a Commonwealth: July 25, 1952

Abbreviation: PR

ANSI/FIPS Code: 72

HISTORY

The United States acquired the area of Puerto Rico from Spain in 1898. Congress granted the people of 

Puerto Rico United States citizenship in 1917. The area became a commonwealth on July 25, 1952, with 

the right to internal self-government.

Census data are available for Puerto Rico from periodic censuses, beginning with a census taken by the 

War Department in 1899. The 1920 and earlier censuses were enumerated on Jan. 1, 1920; Apr. 15, 

1910; and Nov. 10, 1899. Earlier data are available from censuses conducted by the government of Spain 

from 1765 to 1897.

METROPOLITAN AND MICROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREAS AND RELATED STATISTICAL 

AREAS

Puerto Rico has eight metropolitan statistical areas, five micropolitan statistical areas, and three 

combined statistical areas.

COUNTIES

There are 78 county equivalent entities known as municipios in Puerto Rico. All municipios are 

functioning governmental entities. 

COUNTY SUBDIVISIONS

There are 939 county subdivisions in Puerto Rico known as minor civil divisions (MCDs). This includes 

827 barrios, 75 barrios-pueblo, and 37 areas where subdivisions are undefined. The barrios and barriospueblo are nonfunctioning county subdivisions used for election purposes. Some MCDs are divided into 

sub-MCDs, which are called subbarrios. There are 145 subbarrios.

PLACES

Puerto Rico has 253 places, all of which are census designated places (CDPs). Puerto Rico does not 

have incorporated places. There are 79 zonas urbanas that represent the governmental centers of the

municipios, and 174 comunidades that represent other settlements. 

CENSUS TRACTS/BLOCK GROUPS/BLOCKS

Puerto Rico has 945 census tracts, 2,594 block groups, and 77,189 census blocks.

CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

Puerto Rico has one resident commissioner district (at large), with one non-voting resident commissioner.
Guide to State and Local Census Geography

Page | 191 http://www.census.gov/geo/reference/geoguide.html

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

Puerto Rico has one unified school district.

STATE LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

There are eight state senate districts and four state house districts in Puerto Rico. In addition there is one 

state house district undefined and one state senate district undefined representing water area.

URBAN AREAS

Puerto Rico has 19 urban areas; 11 urbanized areas and 8 urban clusters.

ZIP CODE TABULATION AREAS

There are 131 ZIP Code tabulation areas (ZCTAs) in Puerto Rico.

MOST POPULOUS, LARGEST IN AREA, AND MOST DENSELY POPULATED AREAS

Population Land Area (square miles)

Population Density (Persons per 

square mile)

Name Population Name Area Name Density

County

San Juan 

Municipio 395,326 Arecibo Municipio 125.95 San Juan Municipio 8,262.3

Place

- CDP

San Juan 

zona urbana 381,931

San Juan zona 

urbana 39.50

Parcelas Viejas 

Borinquen comunidad 13,965.4

LISTS OF ENTITIES

See the Gazetteer Files for a list of geographic entities. See the Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical 

Areas page for a list of metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas and related statistical areas.