Building FIPS-Aware Data Pipelines: Best Practices
Data pipelines that ingest federal datasets need to handle FIPS codes reliably. Here's a collection of best practices for building robust, FIPS-aware data infrastructure.
Articles
Guides and deep-dives on FIPS codes, federal datasets, and geographic data workflows.
BLS OEWS Wage Data: Decoding MSA and State FIPS
The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey publishes wage data by occupation for every MSA and state. Here's how to navigate the FIPS geography in OEWS data.
The History of FIPS Standards in US Government Data
FIPS geographic codes have been used by the US government for over 50 years. Here's the history of how these standards developed and why they still matter today.
FIPS Codes in Excel: VLOOKUP and Power Query Tips
Excel is still widely used for federal data analysis. Here's how to handle FIPS codes correctly in Excel using text formatting, VLOOKUP, and Power Query.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA (42660): Regional Economic Data
The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue MSA is home to Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing. Here's a data-driven profile of MSA 42660 using BLS, Census, and BEA sources.
Maricopa County, AZ (FIPS 04013): Phoenix Area Profile
Maricopa County is the fourth most populous county in the US and one of the fastest-growing large counties in America. Here's the data profile for FIPS 04013.
Cook County, IL (FIPS 17031): Chicago in the Data
Cook County is the second most populous county in the US and encompasses Chicago and its inner suburbs. Here's the data profile for FIPS code 17031.
Harris County, TX (FIPS 48201): Houston Metro Data
Harris County is the third most populous county in the US and home to Houston, the energy capital of the world. Here's the data profile for FIPS code 48201.
Los Angeles County (FIPS 06037): Data Profile
Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States. Here's what the data says about FIPS code 06037 and why it's one of the most-studied geographies in federal datasets.
FIPS Codes in GIS: ArcGIS and QGIS Workflows
ArcGIS and QGIS are the standard tools for FIPS-based geographic analysis. Here's how to work with county FIPS codes in both platforms.
Federal Grants by Geography: How FIPS Codes Determine Funding
Many federal grant programs use FIPS codes to define eligible geographies, target funding, and report outcomes. Here's how FIPS geography shapes the flow of federal money.
FEMA Flood Zone Data: Working with FIPS Geography
FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and flood hazard data use FIPS codes and community identifiers. Here's how to navigate FEMA's geographic data structure.