1. I’ve created a handout that summarizes the different neighborhood geographies, census datasets, and sources for finding neighborhood profiles and comparison tables. Much of the 2010 Census data is now available and the NYC Dept of City Planning has also released some new resources. The handout is available on the neighborhoods tab of the NYC Data Libguide as a PDF; it updates and replaces the Neighborhood FAQ page that was previously in the guide.
What’s the difference between the 2010 Census and the American Community Survey? What the heck is a PUMA and a ZCTA and what’s the difference? Where’s the best place to go get neighborhood census data? It’s all in the handout. The dataset, geography, and source you choose will vary based on the nature of the question and the relative importance of currency, size of geographic area, and variables needed.
2. I’ve created a new Google Map that lets you to click on ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTAs) within the city to open 2010 Census profiles directly from the Census Bureau’s American Factfinder. ZCTAs are statistical areas created by the Census Bureau to approximate USPS ZIP Codes. The map is also available on the neighborhoods tab of the NYC Data guide, directly below the PUMA Google Map (which you can use to get neighborhood profiles from the 2007-2009 American Community Survey). If viewing the map within the guide is too constraining, you can click the View Larger Map link directly below the map to get the full screen view.