Terms & Definitions
Barrier Island
Barrier islands are long, narrow stretches of land, composed primarily of sand, that lie parallel to the mainland shoreline and are separated from it by a shallow body of water like a lagoon or bay. They act as a natural buffer against storm surge, wave action, and erosion, protecting the mainland and surrounding ecosystems.
Census-Designated Place
A Census Designated Place (CDP) is an unincorporated community identified by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes. It’s essentially a populated area with a recognized name that isn’t formally incorporated with its own local government, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. CDPs are treated as statistical equivalents of incorporated cities to ensure they are included in population counts and data
City
An inhabited place of greater size, population, or importance than a town or village.
County Seat
A county seat is the primary town or city within a county where the county government offices, such as the courthouse, are located. It serves as the administrative center for the county and where many essential county services are accessed.
Incorporated Village
An incorporated village is a type of local government unit, similar to a city or town, but typically smaller in size and with less autonomy. It is a defined area within a larger jurisdiction, often a town or county, that has its own elected officials and the power to enact local ordinances, levy taxes, and provide services.
Master-Planned Community
A master-planned suburban city, or master-planned community (MPC), is a large-scale residential development that integrates various amenities, services, and land uses into a single, cohesive plan. These communities are designed to provide a higher quality of life for residents, often with a focus on convenience, safety, and a sense of community.
Town
A town is an urban area that has a name, defined boundaries, and local government, and that is generally larger than a village and smaller than a city.
Unincorporated Community
An unincorporated community is a settled area that is not legally incorporated as a municipality, meaning it’s not officially designated as a city or town. These communities exist within the jurisdiction of a larger entity, like a county, and are not serviced directly by an incorporated city. Instead, services are typically provided by the county or other governing body
Unincorporated Town
An unincorporated town is a community that doesn’t have its own separate, elected local government, like a city or town. Instead, it’s governed by the county. This means the community relies on the county for services like law enforcement, fire protection, and other municipal functions
Village
A village is a small, clustered human settlement, generally larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town. It’s typically found in rural areas, though the term can also apply to certain urban neighborhoods. Villages are characterized by relatively close-knit dwellings, often with a central point or linear layout.