Should You Use ZCTA Boundaries?

The ZIP code is commonly used in business applications for two primary reasons – they are well recognized and utilized as the core geographic identifier in a wide range of both postal and non-postal sources. Because they are created by the post office for the purpose...

Building The Dream Team

As we continue our quest to be the premier demographics source, AGS is delighted to announce the formalized recognition of one role, and an exciting addition to our power team. Matt Needham, long the driving force behind our demographic estimates and projections, will...
Small Area Demographic Estimates: The AGS Approach

Small Area Demographic Estimates: The AGS Approach

The discussion of methodology is always a balancing act. At one end of the scale are users who hunger for gritty technical details that one would expect in a doctoral thesis in applied mathematics. Most prefer a short document that covers the basic underlying data...
The Update Frequency Debate

The Update Frequency Debate

How frequently should your demographics be updated? Depending on the specific creator – and there are not very many – that update can be annual, semi-annual, or quarterly. The argument goes something like this: the census is the most accurate data source, but after a...
Do New ZIP+4 Codes Equal Growth?

Do New ZIP+4 Codes Equal Growth?

Some years ago, a new player in the demographic forecasting world came onto the scene with two key points of differentiation. First, their estimates were released quarterly which somehow suggests improved accuracy. Second, their estimates are based primarily on what...