Hi, I’m new to the IPUMPS CPS. When I access CPS through Census, it stated that the lowest geography level available is state, yet I see COUNTY variable in IPUMPS CPS. Is it because IPUMPS CPS can access the micro data? I am doing analysis at NYC level, and wondering how safe it is to use the COUNTY level data here?
Thanks
The statement by the Census that “the lowest level of geography available is state” refers to the fact that the lowest geography level that is complete and inclusive of all survey responses is the state level. COUNTY provides the counties that CPS does identify, which are listed on the description tab. If the county you are researching is available in COUNTY, it is safe to use in your analysis. Additionally, some metro areas and cities can be identified using METAREA and METRO.