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 system. In contrast to most legal entities, whose existence and definition the Census Bureau accepts as mandatory, statistical entities tend to undergo long periods of trial by the data user community before gaining acceptance as standard geographic areas for tabulation and dissemination. Because they are defined by criteria or guidelines rather than legal statutes, they also are subject to more contention when the Census Bureau, another governmental agency, or data users want to change them or use them in a way that is inconsistent with their original purpose. To survive, statistical entities must prove satisfactory from a number of perspectives.

Although the Census Bureau often takes the lead in suggesting or promoting new categories of statistical areas when this appears to be an appropriate solution to a particular situation, other Federal, State, and local agencies, tribal officials, as well as other interested data users and groups, often are the source of suggestions and proposals for new kinds of statistical areas. Data users also suggest changes in the criteria and guidelines for the existing statistical areas.

The census tract is a prime example of a statistical area that was initiated by local data users. Local data users in several large cities were early sponsors of these subcity geographic entities. Census tracts became standard entities in decennial census publications only after the Census Bureau prepared data tabulations on a cost-reimbursable basis for these entities in three consecutive decennial censuses (1910 to 1930). During that period of time, census tracts gained recognition among data users. Thereafter, the Census Bureau accepted census tracts as standard geographic entities for its decennial census data presentations, disseminated the definitional criteria widely, and expanded the geographic coverage of the census tract program. Today, the census tract is one of the most commonly used and best known small areas for which the Census Bureau tabulates data. , “Local Census Statistical Areas Committees and Other Local Assistance,” and, “Census Tracts and Block Numbering Areas,” provide more detailed information. Geographic Overview2-23