What term refers to small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a county?

The term that refers to small, relatively permanent statistical subdivisions of a county is census tracts. Census tracts are designed to facilitate the collection and analysis of demographic data by the United States Census Bureau. They typically contain between 1,200 to 8,000 residents and are created to ensure that the data obtained is representative of the population living in those areas.

Census tracts are especially useful for research and policymaking as they allow for a detailed examination of social, economic, and housing data, which can inform decisions at both local and state levels. This granularity helps planners, government agencies, and researchers identify trends, allocate resources effectively, and develop community services tailored to specific needs.

In contrast, zoning districts are related to land use regulations and determine how properties in a given area may be used, while parcel divisions pertain to the legal division of land into smaller pieces. Land use zones are broader and encompass various types of zoning classifications that can apply to different areas within a city or county. These terms serve various functions in real estate and urban planning but do not represent the statistical subdivisions defined by census tracts.