2010 dca cdbg applicants’ workshop cdbg application: census tract data

2010 DCA CDBG Applicants’ Workshop

CDBG Application: Census Tract Data

2010 CDBG Applicants’ Workshop Census Tract Data for CDBG Application

DCA-1: Required Info

• Census tract and block group of all geographic areas included within the target area.

• HUD is now requiring this information in order to be able to show graphically where CDBG activities are taking place around the country


Definitions• Census tract: A small, relatively permanent statistical subdivision of a county.

Census tract boundaries normally follow visible features, but may follow governmental unit boundaries and other non-visible features in some instances; they always nest within counties. Designed to be relatively homogeneous units with respect to population characteristics, economic status, and living conditions at the time of establishment, census tracts average about 4,000 inhabitants. They may be split by any sub-county geographic entity.

• Block group: A subdivision of a census tract (or, prior to 2000, a block numbering area), a block group is the smallest geographic unit for which the Census Bureau tabulates sample data. A block group consists of all the blocks within a census tract with the same beginning number.

• Block: a subdivision of a census tract, a block is the smallest geographic unit for which the Census Bureau tabulates 100-percent data. Many blocks correspond to individual city blocks bounded by streets, but blocks - especially in rural areas - may include many square miles and may have some boundaries that are not streets.


Completing DCA-1

• 3a – Project Census Tract(s)▪ List all census tracts in the project target area.

• 3b – Block Group(s)▪ Do not specify block groups when the entire

census tract is covered. ▪ If specifying block groups for a project covering

more than one census tract, please indicate which tract includes the given block groups.

▪ List block groups only, not specific blocks.


Data Format

• Census tract: include the two digits following the “.” (for example, “9501.00”).

• Census block group should be a single digit from 1-9. ▪ Note: the block group number is the first digit

of the census block.• For example, DCA is in census tract 215.02,

block group 1, block 1004.• Note: list block groups only, not specific

blocks.


How to Find Census Tract Data

• Look up addresses’ census tract, block group, and block numbers at http://factfinder.census.gov.

• Reference Map tool provides most flexibility.

• The Address Search tool has most detail for specific addresses.


FactFinder: Navigation


FactFinder: Reference Maps

1. Select Maps from the choices on the left side of the page, then choose Reference Maps.

2. Select the Boundary Grouping radio button for “2000 Census Tracts and Blocks”.

3. To view your area (two options):▪ Input a ZIP or select “Georgia” from the State dropdown. Click

“Go”.• This will generate a map of the ZIP code area showing

census tract boundaries.▪ Select “Georgia” from the State dropdown. Click “Go.

• An overall map of the state will appear. You can then click on the city or general part of the state you want.

4. Once the map you selected has appeared, you can move to a different area, zoom in or out, and change the information displayed (see following slides).

5. Use the Print/Download option to print the map as shown or save it as a PDF.


FactFinder: Reference Map Options

• Use the options on the left side of the screen to reposition by street address or ZIP code.

• Use the "Recenter and zoom in" and Zoom button features to display the desired area. You may have to Recenter and Zoom In several times to find the community of interest to you or to have readable street names. Tract numbers, boundaries, and street names will all be displayed when you are at an appropriate Zoom level. (Having the Zoom button on the second, third, or fourth level from the right often works well for an urban area).

• The legend on the left side of the screen will clarify which boundaries and labels are for census tracts and which are for block groups (smaller areas within a tract).

• Use the “Change Boundaries and Features” option at the upper left to change the information shown on the map.


Tract

Block Group

Block


FactFinder: Address Search


FactFinder: More Information

• American FactFinder website: http://factfinder.census.gov.

• Reference Map tool provides most details. For a simpler search you can also use the Fact Sheet or Address Search tools.

• A useful reference about using the FactFinder tools for mapping and geography information is http://library.csun.edu/mfinley/census90.html.


Contact

Maris Wynn

[email protected]

(404) 679-3134

Check with your Regional Commission for assistance in determining census tract data.

2010 dca cdbg applicants’ workshop cdbg application: census tract data

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