Glossary

ZIP Code

A ZIP code is a 5- to 9-digit numeric code used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to identify specific postal delivery areas within the United States. The standard 5-digit ZIP code designates a particular area, such as a city, town, or part of a city. To provide more precise location information, the USPS also uses an extended version known as "ZIP+4." This 9-digit code includes the standard 5-digit ZIP code followed by a hyphen and four additional digits. These extra four digits pinpoint a specific delivery route within the broader delivery area, such as a group of buildings, a block, or even a single high-volume mail recipient.

The ZIP code system, introduced in 1963, was designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of mail sorting and delivery. Each digit in a ZIP code serves a purpose in narrowing down the location: the first digit represents a group of U.S. states, the next two digits indicate a region or large city, and the final two digits specify a more localized area or post office. The additional four digits in the ZIP+4 code further refine the location, making it possible for the USPS to route mail more precisely and quickly.

Using ZIP codes helps the USPS manage the vast and complex logistics of mail delivery, ensuring that letters and packages reach their intended destinations promptly. ZIP codes are also used in various applications beyond mail delivery, including demographic analysis, marketing, and location-based services, due to their ability to define geographical areas accurately.

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