Census tracts, blocks and CDPs explained: why geography matters to data users
Forum presenters explained the differences between statistical and legal geographies, why census tracts are kept relatively stable (optimum population ~4,000), and how Boundary and Annexation Survey and PSAP keep local boundaries current.
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Speakers distinguished statistical geographies (created by the Census Bureau for tabulation and analysis) from legal and administrative geographies (created by state or local legal action). The presenter explained that legal geographies are defined by ordinances or laws, while statistical geographies — such as census tracts, block groups and census‑designated places (CDPs) — are created to support consistent data tabulation and comparison.
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