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US Zip Code data?

  • 03/01/2011 8:47 AM
    Quote
    Message # 535364
    Andy Rahn
    I have not been able to find US zip code data that I can add a field to or join to an Excel table.  I want to make a simple map showing quantities of survey respondents for about 28 US zip codes.   Anyone know where I could find US zip code data that I can use?  A high level of geographic accuracy is not required.

    Thanks
    Andy Rahn
  • 03/01/2011 8:58 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 535367 on 535364
    Gerald Daumiller

    Andrew,

    My understanding is that the position of the Post Office on zip code boundaries is that zip codes represent groups of carrier routes or post office box locations and do not necessarily represent geographic areas.  They apparently do not maintain a zip code boundary layer.

    The Census Bureau has a layer called zip code tabulation areas that are based on zip codes.  You may download them from their web site at http://www2.census.gov/cgi-bin/shapefiles2009/national-files

     

    Gerry
  • 03/01/2011 9:03 AM
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    Reply # 535371 on 535364
    Erin Fashoway

    Andrew –

    The current best source for ZIP Code Data for the US is published by the US Census Bureau.  http://www2.census.gov/cgi-bin/shapefiles2009/national-files

    If my 2012 MSDI Grant is approved, I will be working to research and possibly create an enhanced ZIP Code Boundary dataset for the state of Montana.

    Please let me know if you have any other boundary related questions.

    Thanks,

    Erin

    Erin Geraghty
  • 03/01/2011 11:39 AM
    Quote
    Reply # 535505 on 535364
    Jenny Connelley

    While, in concept, this seems like it should be a pretty easy thing to put together, it is not.  I took up the project of mapping zip codes for Gallatin County after Brian Oevermann had initially started it before he moved away a couple of years ago. 

    There are many things that can get complicated quickly.  Contract Post Offices, such as Big Sky, have a zip code, but do not do any delivery.  There are alot of Post offices in grocery stores, malls, etc. that are only rental boxes that have a zip, but the area they cover is extremely difficult to know. 

    Also, I've had the various maps out to the Post Offices in our county for approval, changes, etc. and I've only heard back from one.  The rest are either in the process of changing Postmasters (which I guess they loan them out from location to location too) due to the economy (retirements, etc) or just don't have time to devote to looking at whats been provided to them, even though it would be beneficial to all concerned. 

     I've also found that a resident may live on one side of the road, but if his box is on the other side of the road, he may be in a different zip code, because the road is the dividing line. 

    And then you have the rural areas that are "no man's land"...the National Parks, etc.  The P.O. isn't going to take on anymore additional area than they have to, because in some cases they pay the contract delivery drivers per stop.  Cluster boxes for neighborhoods or subdivisions are another issue, as are condos as Kris mentioned. 

    I'd be happy to chat with anyone regarding these and other issues we've come upon as we've been working through this. 

     
  • 03/01/2011 12:33 PM
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    Reply # 535562 on 535364
    Bryant Ralston

    Hey Andy,

    Zip code polygons and point datasets are available on ArcGIS.com as Layer Packages so they can be read but ArcGIS desktop and ArcGIS Explorer (AGX).  The polygon layer package is 135MB but seems to work well when I need it.  Hope it works for you.

    Metadata about the Zip Code Polygon layer file...."This layer presents five-digit ZIP Code areas used by the U.S. Postal Service to deliver mail more effectively. The first digit of a five-digit ZIP Code divides the United States into 10 large groups of states numbered from 0 in the Northeast to 9 in the far West. Within these areas, each state is divided into an average of 10 smaller geographical areas, identified by the second and third digits. These digits, in conjunction with the first digit, represent a sectional center facility or a mail processing facility area. The fourth and fifth digits identify a post office, station, branch or local delivery area. The layers provide area, post office name, and population for each ZIP Code area in the United States."

    Best of luck and hope to see you soon.

    Bryant Ralston
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