PlainZIP
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PlainZIP Editorial Team

ZIP Code Data Editors

Background

The PlainZIP editorial team compiles, verifies, and contextualizes ZIP code-level data from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey and ZIP Code Business Patterns. We pair raw federal data with plain-language explanation so the typical visitor, a homebuyer, renter, journalist, researcher, can read a ZIP code's demographics without prior census expertise. The team does not accept payment, sponsorship, or promoted placement from entities it covers.

Editorial approach

The PlainZIP Editorial Team editorial process follows PlainZIP's Editorial Standards for Data Journalism. Every dataset we cover is traced back to its originating public source, and we publish the provenance of each statistic on the page so readers can verify it independently. We do not accept compensation, sponsorship, or influence from entities we cover.

When we present derived numbers (rankings, ratios, comparisons), the methodology page documents exactly how the figure was computed. If a number cannot be computed consistently across every entity in the dataset, we either disclose the gap or omit the comparison rather than present misleading data.

How content is produced

Raw source figures shown on a data page are reproduced directly from the upstream source agency, and the originating dataset is named and dated on the page. Where a figure is derived (a ranking, ratio, score, or estimate computed from those raw inputs) rather than a raw agency number, it is computed using a documented formula (see the methodology page) and labeled accordingly — "estimated," "modeled," or a named score — never presented as an unmodified source value. The plain-language summaries and explanations that surround those figures are written to help readers interpret the data, while the underlying values are computed directly from the source, not hand-entered.

Source attribution is shown on every page; the methodology underlying any derived figure is documented at the link above. We follow the guidance of Google Search Central's Helpful Content principles — write for readers, document sources, and disclose the editorial process — and welcome any factual flag at the contact link below.

Corrections and feedback

If you find an error, stale figure, or missing context on any page we publish, please use the contact page or write to hello@plainzip.com with the URL and the issue. We aim to respond within 72 hours and to publish corrections with a visible revision note.

Areas of focus

  • ZIP code demographics
  • Census ACS analysis
  • housing and income data
  • ZIP Code Business Patterns

Contact and identity