Frequently Asked Questions

What are Community Statistical Areas? Why not use neighborhoods?
While there are over 250 neighborhoods in Baltimore City, it is difficult to link statistical data to these areas of vary size and population density. In order to assign demographic data to areas which approximate neighborhoods, the Baltimore City Planning Department worked together with the Family League of Baltimore City and the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance constructed boundaries called “Community Statistical Areas”, or CSAs. These community boundaries were drawn in consideration of both the City's neighborhood/community organizations, as well as existing Census tract boundaries, which were necessary for the creation of statistical profiles. The Data Collaborative Community boundaries are not to be confused with the neighborhood boundaries defined by the Baltimore City Planning Department. Click here to download a MS Excel file that links the 55 Community Statistical Areas to Census tracts.

Do you have student data at the community level?
The Baltimore City Data Collaborative has Baltimore City Public School data only at the school, city, and state levels, rather than at the community level. We get these data from the Maryland State Department of Education at the “Maryland Report Card” website. A wide variety of student outcome measures are available at this site.

Can I make my own customized map on this website?
No, the website for the Baltimore City Data Collaborative does not currently allow a user to make their own custom maps. However, feel free to visit the “Results & Indicators” and “Neighborhood Profiles” sections to get more detailed information about local areas of Baltimore City.