I noticed that the FFIEC Geocoding System has been updated with the 2013 Census data.

Since up until now we have had to select 2012, does this mean that we need to re-check all the data using 2013 to see if anything changed?

Yes you do have to confirm any 2013 loans already geocoded. This happens each year.

Memo to FFIEC:
It's time to get your Engine out in front of your Caboose. It's hard enough doing this job without having to go back and reaccomplish work because you can't get the data updated in a timely manner. Suggest you either relax the quarterly LAR update to allow for your inability to get us current Census data or get it updated by the end of March.

Rant over.

I agree completely Cornhusker! It is not like we don't have enough to do anyway. Nice to see someone else rant for a change.

Kathleen, would you please give me an example of a change that occurred for 2013 with census tracts? I understand that the MFI numbers for 2013 are out so that when you geocode an address on the FFIEC web site using calendar year 2013 and then click the get census demographic button you can see the 2013 MFI.

I saw the following wording at the bottom of the geocoding page.

Please select the activity year for the CRA and/or HMDA data you are geocoding. The tract definition for 2011 data is based on the 2000 Census. The tract definition for 2012 and 2013 data are based on the 2010 Census. It is critical that you select the correct activity year when using the FFIEC Geocoding System. The 2011 data reflect the addition of three new counties (Wrangell City and Borough, Petersburg, and Prince of Wales-Hyder) and two deleted counties (Wrangell-Petersburg and Prince of Wales-Outer Ketchikan) in Alaska as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and announced in May 2011. The 2012 data reflect updates made by the U.S. Census Bureau to several census tracts. Census demographic data for the year 2012 was updated in June 2012 using 2006-2010 ACS and Census 2010 SF1-based data. The 2013 data reflect revised delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) announced by the OMB in February 2013. The OMB revised definitions do not affect HMDA data collected in 2013. The new MSA definitions apply to HMDA data collected on or after January 1, 2014.

I also looked at the information on the following page. http://www.ffiec.gov/Geocode/help1.aspx

The tracts themselves have not changed since 2012.

Newer addresses will now be picked up as the database is updated, so you could check any that were problematic.

If you use software that geocodes ( or just use FFIEC software) it will tell you if something is wrong.

Tract income class has not changed. Tract income has been updated.

In January some tracts will change because of the MSA changes.

Are you collecting your data using the FFIEC software? If so, don't stress about it. The only change would be the MSA number, and you'll need to update the version of the software before you transmit. When you do, just use the batch MSA/MD change under edit and it will make the corrections for you!

Kathleen, didn't they change the MSAs and thus change the income classes?

MSA change is not effective for banking purposes until 1/1/2014.

The FFIEC put contradictory information on their website - first saying the 2013 data contains the new MSAs, then saying that the new MSAs are effective 1/1/2014. For HMDA and CRA, the new MSAs are effective 1/1/2014 and the FFIEC says they are going to correct the website.

Thanks, Kathleen.

Could you tell me what the best business practice would be on GEO coding, when there is no census tract hit? What we have been doing in the past is using the CT from the appraisal and pinpointing on the FFIEC for a match. Is there another website for more accurate info?

I don't trust appraisals. I have seen incorrect goding. If I don't get a hit from the FFIEC site then I do the following:
1. Go to USPS.com, the U. S. Post Office website, and use the option to check a zip code. When I put in the address it will correct spelling mistakes, streets or cities input as one word that should be two words (example: Greenbriar vs. Green Briar), and other little corrections that can confuse the FFIC site. It will also tell you if the post office doesn't recognize the address at all, which requires further investigation. If it still won't geocode,

2. Use GoogleMaps or some other mappling website to pinpoint the property on a map that will show you the local cross streets and major surrounding roads. Print the map.

3. Go to this site:
http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/maps/reference.html
at the U. S. Census Bureau. Choose census reference maps. Choose your state and county. Use the map you printed out to pinpoint the location.

Once I use one of the census maps, I save it to a folder on my server so I can refer to it again.

Or you can compare a Google map with the FFIEC geocoding map, find the property and re-center/identify the property with the FFIEC geocoding site.