Here are downloadable datasets people regularly ask me for.
- County classification into six types: large-metro urban, large-metro higher-density suburbs, large-metro lower-density suburbs, mid-size metros, small metros, non-metropolitan counties. Based on 2018 population, density, and definitions. Download data here.
- ZIP code classification into urban, suburban, and rural. From “How Suburban are Big American Cities?” FiveThirtyEight (5/21/15). Download data for all ZIPs/ZCTAs here, and for large cities here. Additional methodology here.
- ZIP code estimates of slope and road density. Used as instruments in “Broadband and Local Growth.” Journal of Urban Economics 71, 2012. Download data here.
- “Normal America” measures for states, metros, and PUMAs. “‘Normal America’ Is Not A Small Town Of White People.” FiveThirtyEight (4/28/16). Download data here.