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 The CCD name usually is the same as that of the largest population center or place within it. Sometimes the name represents the two largest centers; for example, Bayard–Santa Rita. In some situations, the CCD may be named after a prominent physical feature (Castle Rock, Cripple Creek, Mount Baldy) or a distinctive region within the county (Death Valley, Everglades, Lower Keys, Tellico Plains). In many cases, a CCD name consists of the county or focal place name together with a cardinal direction indicating the portion of the county or area relative to the place covered by the CCD. If a county name (for example, Union) identifies a CCD, the directional indicator usually precedes it, as in Northwest Union. If a place name is used, the directional indicator follows it; for example, Smithville North. In all cases, the objective is to clearly identify the area of the CCD by means of an area name; CCD names always should be meaningful to data users.

The Census Bureau does not encourage State or local officials to make major updates or revisions to their CCDs. This policy reflects the desire for a set of stable subcounty entities that allows data comparability from census to census. However, updates and revisions may be necessary in some instances; in these cases, the changes are made as part of the geographic work undertaken in preparation for a decennial census. If data users within a county organize a Census Statistical Areas Committee (CSAC) and develop census tracts, the CCDs usually must consist of one or more census tracts or nest within a census tract. Where existing census tracts undergo splits, mergers, or boundary relocations, and where such changes affect a CCD boundary, the CCD boundary must be adjusted to conform to the revised census tract boundaries. As part of the preparations for each decennial census, the Census Bureau provides guidelines to the participants in the census tract delineation program for making such changes (see, “Local Census Statistical Areas Committees and Other Local Assistance”). County Subdivisions8-19