Contextual Data Archive (CDA)

To facilitate access to the best contextual data, Sociometrics has developed a Contextual Data Archive (CDA). By contextual data we mean data that describe the population, social, and economic characteristics of geographic areas, from census tracts to states, in which people reside or work. The contextual data archive consists of a series of files, each organized around a different geographic unit of analysis (such as census tracts, school districts, counties, states, etc.) Each file contains variables drawn from various sources, but having one common geographic unit of analysis.

Additionally, the archive contains a set of abstracts of documents and publications on the use of contextual data, available in both machine-readable and printed formats. The collection emphasizes both research reports of analyses using contextual data and methodological papers that address the methods and limitations of contextual data analysis. Emphasis is given to materials that are exemplary in their use of contextual data or in their treatment of key methodological issues in contextual analysis Support for this project was provided by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

The CDA collection contains 13 studies including: (click above to view information about each study in this collection)

• Enumeration Districts, 1970, 1980
• Census Tracts/BNAs, 1970, 1980, 1990
• Five-digit Zip Codes, 1970, 1980, 1990
• Minor Civil Division/CCDs, 1970, 1980, 1990
• School Districts, 1990
• Places (discrete settlements), 1970, 1980, 1990
• Cities, 1990
• Counties, 1970-1995
• Labor Market Areas, 1970, 1980
• State Economic Areas, 1970, 1980
• Metropolitan Statistical Areas, 1970, 1980, 1990
• Economic Sub-Regions, 1970, 1980
• States, 1970-1995