FIPS Code
In the context of location intelligence and home buying, FIPS codes (Federal Information Processing Standards codes) are standardized numeric codes used to uniquely identify specific geographic areas within the United States. These codes are assigned by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to ensure consistent and accurate identification of geographic entities across various federal agencies and databases.
Key aspects of FIPS codes include:
- Hierarchical structure: FIPS codes are organized in a hierarchical manner, with separate codes assigned to states, counties, and places (cities, towns, and villages). For example, a state FIPS code is a two-digit number, while a county FIPS code is a three-digit number unique within each state.
- Standardized format: FIPS codes follow a standardized format, making it easy to combine codes for different geographic levels. For instance, a complete county FIPS code consists of the two-digit state code followed by the three-digit county code (e.g., 06-037 for Los Angeles County, California).
- Wide usage: FIPS codes are widely used by government agencies, researchers, and private organizations for various purposes, such as data collection, analysis, and mapping. They facilitate the integration and comparison of data from different sources based on a common geographic reference.
- Stability and maintenance: FIPS codes are relatively stable over time, with changes typically occurring only when there are significant boundary or name changes for geographic entities. The NIST maintains and publishes updates to the FIPS code system as needed.
When researching and comparing different locations for potential home purchases, FIPS codes can be useful for accurately identifying and referencing specific geographic areas. They ensure consistency in data analysis and reporting across various platforms and sources, making it easier to access and interpret location-based information.
