U.S. Census Bureau Cartographic Boundary Files

This official U.S. Census Bureau website serves as a repository for Cartographic Boundary Files in shapefile format. These files provide generalized geographic area boundaries for the United States, suitable for small-scale mapping and visual representation. The data is made available for various years, allowing users to access historical boundary information.

The boundary files are designed for general-purpose mapping and are not intended for precise spatial analysis requiring highly accurate coordinates. They are a valuable open-data resource for researchers, educators, and the public needing foundational geographic data related to census areas. Users can download these files to incorporate into their GIS projects and applications.

The U.S. Census Bureau maintains and updates these boundary files, ensuring they reflect the geographic divisions pertinent to census data collection and dissemination. This resource is essential for anyone working with demographic and population data requiring corresponding geographic contexts.