We have a 2011 census tract to zip list but our former compliance officer obtained it so I have no idea where it came from. Does anyone know where I can get a list for 2012?

Census tracts and ZIP code boundaries don't "nest" into one another. Many census tracts in rural areas include multiple ZIP codes while those in densely populated areas may be only a part of a ZIP code. So while there are cross over tables that show what ZIP codes are part of a census tract and what census tracts are part of a ZIP code there is no exact correlation. The boundaries don't match up.

There are maps on line at the Census Bureau site that show census tract boundaries and identities along with local features such as town names. Why can't you use that as the basis for developing your AA identity?

BTW, the new 2010 census tracts are in effect as of January 1 and I don't know if any cross over tables have been developed yet that correlate the new census tract boundaries and the ZIP codes. Also, ZIP codes themselves are much more frequently updated than census tracts which are done every ten years.

Thanks for the response, Len. We do have really good maps in our file, but since we had the existing list I was hoping there was an update. As long as the maps are sufficient, I'm good.

See the 1/18/12 item on this page to access a 2012 zip file. http://www.ffiec.gov/hmda/whatsnew.htm

There are vendors who sell tract to zip lists. If you PM works, I will send you the name of one I have used in the past when I needed the info.

It does help with marketing since people can relate to zip codes but don't think about their neighborhoods in terms of tracts.

I am confused. Is the original question about zip codes or zip files?

Zip codes!

Thanks, Kaybee...that's exactly what I needed...that's where our last list came from! Thanks to everyone for the responses!

You are very welcome.

The FFIEC released the new Census 2010 tract list along with the tract income classifications today. Visit the FFIEC website to retrieve the file.

I agree with Len that in my geocoding experience (now pretty dated) the boundaries for a ZIP code and census tract can differ. SO why is this useful? It could be setting oneself up for error. ZIP+4 would narrow it more.

You can tell from the lists what tracts have more than one zip and vice versa. I like a map overlay.

You can't believe how much easier it is when you use interactive mapping. This is more true than ever now because of the advent of the new Census 2010 census tracts effective January 1. Very few people really know how to convert your old AA to the new AA.

I can tell you every bank we have worked with has had surprising differences. Now with the tract income classes released by the FFIEC earlier this week it is possible to map with the new Census 2010 tracts and the new census tract classes. We haven't had time yet to compare the old LMI tracts to the new ones for the entire country. When we do I will update this post to give you an idea of the magnitude of the change.

Yes, we are finding big differences even in very small counties. A very small county in Kentucky went from 10 tracts to 15.