The cartographic boundary files are simplified representations of selected geographic areas from the Census Bureau’s MAF/TIGER geographic database. These boundary files are specifically designed for small scale thematic mapping.
The cartographic boundary files are available in shapefile and KML format. A shapefile is a geospatial data format for use in geographic information system (GIS) software. For KML versions of these files, please see our Cartographic Boundary Files - KML page.
For state-based and national congressional district cartographic boundary files for the 103rd through 110th Congresses, see our FTP site.
For more details about these files, please see our Cartographic Boundary File Description page.
To access files for data year 2019 and after, please visit our new Cartographic Boundary File page.
Download Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs):
Download Combined Statistical Areas (CSAs):
Download New England City and Town Areas (NECTAs):
Download Combined New England City and Town Areas (CNECTAs):
Download 2018 Elementary School Districts:
Download 2018 Secondary School Districts:
Download 2018 Unified School Districts:
Download 2018 State Legislative Districts - Upper:
Download 2018 State Legislative Districts - Lower: