MapForums

Why do some zip codes that actually have geographic boundaries and associated population not show as such in MapPoint? I'm not talking about post office boxes, large employers, etc., that are point zips, but actual towns that have their own zip codes and residents. Usually when I see this it's a small town. Any suggestions. Thanks.

Hi hruhe,

Could you post some example zips? - I haven't
run into any such problem. More often it's that
the zip code was split recently by the USPS.

Possibly, the information was the same for some
split-zips as MapPoint 2006 was being compiled (?)

Mike Mattys

Wow! This website is great. Thanks for your response.

I do have some examples.

1. Grandview, Iowa - Zip code 52752; appears to fall within Wapello, Iowa - Zip code 52653

2. Fruitland, Iowa - Zip code 52749; appears to fall within Muscatine, Iowa - Zip code 52761

3. Columbus City, Iowa - Zip code 52737; appears to fall within Columbus Junction, Iowa - Zip code 52738

I checked the U.S. Census website to verify these zips have reported population on a ZCTA basis (they do). And, the U.S. Post Office website does not indicate these zips are just P.O. Boxes. In fact, I even called a local post office to see what they had to say. These zip codes are real places where people live.

I'm guessing that somehow the folks who provide the demographics in MapPoint don't bother with the small towns and collapse their population into the larger ones. The populations for these zips (ZCTAs) as reported on the Census website add together to be in the ballpark of what MapPoint reports. And, when you zoom way on on Fruitland's zip code, for instance, you see both Fruitland's zip and Muscatine's zip code practically on top of one another.

I'm so grateful for any ideas on this. Thanks so much.

"I'm so grateful for any ideas on this. Thanks so much."

Why? I went to ZIPskinny - Get the Skinny on that ZIP (demographics by ZIP Code) and I began to wonder
what caused the USPS to zone these areas at all. Maybe
so the mail delivery truck won't pass it up?