Re: Working with U.S. Zip Codes

Jessica <je8468a_at_american.edu> wrote:
>I am currently working on an application (to be run under an ORACLE7
>database) which requires me to find the state for a specific U.S. zip
>code.
>
><snip>
>I was told by someone that using the first 3 digits of the zip code, one
>could find the state in which the zip code resides. Is this actually
>true? If it is, this would probably reduce the list to < 1,000 entries.
>

True, MOST of the time. However there are a few instances of small towns which lie on a state boarder and use a post office located in another state. Unfortunately for your application, they will have the zip code of the state the post office is located in.

Do not despair! My info is around 10 years old, and they may have changed this since the zip plus 4 came in!

The USPS has a nice home page, and are very gracious about answering e-mail questions.
http://www.usps.gov/ncsc/

HTH,
Louise Miller (who does not work for UCSD, nor the Post Office) Received on Mon Apr 22 1996 - 00:00:00 CEST