A census block is the smallest geographic unit used by the
United States Census Bureau for tabulation of 100-percent data (data
collected from all houses, rather than a sample of houses). Census
blocks are grouped into block groups, which are grouped into census
tracts. There are on average about 39 blocks per block group. Blocks
typically have a four-digit number; the first number indicates which
block group the block is in. For example, census block 3019 would be in
block group 3.
Blocks are typically bounded by streets, roads or creeks. In cities, a
census block may correspond to a city block, but in rural areas where
there are fewer roads, blocks may be limited by other features.