Miscellaneous Information

Various Identification Codes ...

FIPS Codes ...

In a past effort, various federal agencies created a set of codes with a purpose similar to the GNIS codes. These codes are called the Federal Information Processing Standard (or the FIPS 55 codes). Although they are still used by some organizations, the FIPS codes are obsolete and will ultimately be replaced by the GNIS codes.

The following FIPS codes apply to Alexander:

Place (Community) Code:	00820
State Code:	37 (North Carolina)
County Code:	021 (Buncombe County)

Since the Place and County FIPS codes are not unique and can be repeated in other States, it's necessary to combine the State code with the Place and County FIPS codes to uniquely identify them - for example:

State/Place Code:	37/00820
State/County Code:	37/021

Regional Codes ...

For statistical purposes, the US Census Bureau has divided the country into four Regions. Alexander is located in Region #3 (the South Region).

In turn, the US Census Bureau has further divided each Region into Divisions. Alexander is located in Division #5 (the South Atlantic Division).

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has created ten Federal Regions. Alexander is located in Region IV (Region 4).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has created ten Management Regions. Alexander is located in Region IV (Region 4).

ZIP Codes ...

While some people have used a ZIP code to identify a community, the purpose of the ZIP code was to make mail delivery more efficient by grouping addresses together. Although the ZIP Code doesn't specifically identify a community like Alexander, it does identify addresses that are in (or near) Alexander. It's important to remember that the boundaries of a ZIP Code are defined by the needs of the USPS and can be changed, re-assigned or overlapped with other ZIP Codes.

The ZIP code for Alexander: 28701<1>

Referenced FIPS Records ...

FIPS Code: 37/00820   (Place Name: Alexander)

County: Buncombe     (FIPS State/County: 37/021)

Class: U8

Identifies a populated place (in this case, Alexander) located wholly or substantially outside the boundaries of an incorporated place or CDP (Census Designated Place) but whose name has not been verified as authoritative by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

GSA Code: 68

MSA Code: 480