Census Guide

Rechs Ann Pedersen, Internet Librarian
Last updated 10/10/2001

Sample Search on American FactFinder

Displaying Data by Zip Code

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American Factfinder allows you to search in many ways. Below is one of the ways. The search was performed on October 10, 2001. American Factfinder may have changed since then.

What this search is for

The instructions below show how to use American Factfinder to display data by Zip Code.

Does this way of searching suit your needs?

This search:

• Allows the most detailed subject breakdown
• Gives both counts and percentages for the data
• Has the possible disadvantage of presenting the data in separate tables for each Zip Code selected.

Before you start:

You need to know the Zip Codes that you want before you do this search. See the list of Zip Codes in Santa Cruz County

Step 1: Go to American Factfinder

1. Go to American Factfinder at http://factfinder.census.gov/
2. Click on "Data Sets" from the menu on the left.
3. Click on Census 2000 Summary File 1 (This will give you 100% data)
4. Choose "Quick Tables"

You now come the first form page. You start from the top and work down, but you can go back up from any point and change choices. It has one unexpected feature--every time you make a selection, the screen refreshes and you have another set of options to choose from. After a refresh, continue to work your way down, by going to the box under the one you just used.

Step 2: Choose the Zip Codes that you want

1. Selection method: Leave on List
2. Select the type of area: Go to the bottom of the choices, click on 5-Digit Zip Code Tabulation Area
3. Select a state: Click on California
4. Select 3-digit zip code tabulation area (or part): Go down the list and click on the first 3 digits of the Zip Code or group of Zip Codes that you want
5. Select one or more geographical areas: Click on the Zip Codes that you want. You may select more than one by holding down the Control Key (in Windows) as you click. Then click on the "Add" button and then the "Next" button.

You now come to the second form page. It works the same way as the first one.

Step 3: Choose the data that you want

1. Search: Leave on by subject ("by keyword" allows you to search by a term you supply)
2. Select a subject: Click on a subject category. Click on "Search" button.
3. Select one or more tables: Click on one or more tables. Then click on the "Add" button.
4. To display the data, click on the "Show Table" button.

You will get separate data tables for each Zip Code that you chose.

Step 4: See a map of the Zip Code area

1. Use your browser's "Back" button until you get back to the screen that showed the Zip Codes.
2. Click on a Zip Code that you want to see (You can select only one at a time)
3. Click on the "Map It" button. A map will be displayed showing you the Zip Code area.
4. If you want to see more than one Zip Code, repeat steps 2 and 3 for each additional Zip Code.

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