A Census Designated Place (CDP) is a term used by the United States Census Bureau to identify unincorporated areas that resemble cities or towns. CDPs are defined for statistical purposes and help provide data on population, housing, and demographics. They do not have their own local government but are recognized for census data collection. CDPs can vary in size and population, often representing communities that are not officially incorporated as cities. This designation allows for a better understanding of the characteristics of these areas, contributing to planning and resource allocation by local governments and agencies, such as the U.S. Census Bureau.