New MSAs

The June 2003 changes in Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) boundaries and terminology have raised questions from CRA reporters. Answers to those questions can usually be found in the file formats. For your convenience, here are answers to the most common questions:

• The new MSAs can be found in the OMB Bulletin No. 03-04, Attachment, List 2.
  
• A five-digit MSA code from the new list of MSAs is to be used for 2004 CRA data. Use the five-digit code for Metropolitan Divisions when available.
  
• A four-digit MSA code from the old list of MSAs is to be used for 2003 CRA data.
  
• The Micropolitan Statistical Areas are not to be used in CRA reporting.
  
• The Combined Statistical Areas are not to be used in CRA reporting.
  

Geocoding/Mapping System

The FFIEC Geocoding/Mapping System is a web-based tool designed to help financial institutions meet the legal requirement to report information on mortgage, business, and farm loans. Geocoding refers to the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), State, County, Census Tract combination (address information) that must be provided for each reported loan. The system allows institutions to enter a street address, and it then determines the census tract. When an address is not found, the mapping feature enables the user to determine the property location based on known landmarks without resorting to a paper map. The system also provides Census demographic information about a particular census tract, including income, population, and housing data. Institutions use this information to assess whether they are meeting the credit needs of the communities in which they operate.

Use the Geocoding/Mapping System