Comparison
OKLocate vs the Census Geocoder
The US Census Bureau's free geocoder, matching addresses to TIGER street segments.
Where OKLocate is the better choice
A rooftop point, a response time you can design around, and everything after the coordinate. The Census geocoder interpolates along a street segment and has no SLA; we match to the building where the data exists, answer in about 100 ms, and carry the map, the imagery and 88 measured columns with it.
Where the Census Geocoder is the better choice
It is free and authoritative for census geography. For batch work where interpolated accuracy is fine, it costs nothing and always will.
| OKLocate | the Census Geocoder | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Flat monthly | Free |
| Licensing shape | One licence, every product, no storage tier | Public domain, no restriction |
| Store the results | Yes, no time limit | Yes, public domain |
| Match type | Rooftop where published | Street interpolation |
| Typeahead | ~100 ms | Not offered |
| Rate limits / SLA | Published | Best effort |
| Base map and imagery | Included | Not offered |
| Property measurements | 88 columns | Not offered |
What it would cost you
Put your own volume in. Every field is editable, and the answer says so when the Census Geocoder works out cheaper.
Pre-filled for Census geocoder. Free, and street-interpolated rather than rooftop. The saving to compare is engineering time and accuracy, not spend. Figures from the geocod.io comparison of geocoding services, July 2026. Edit anything to match your own contract.
Same cost at this volume
$0.00/mo difference
The price is a tie here, so the question is what you get for it: the maps, imagery and property measurements on the same key, and no restriction on storing the answers.
In short
Use the Census geocoder when free and approximate is enough. Choose OKLocate when you need a rooftop point, an SLA and a building behind it.
Figures for OKLocate are the ones this site publishes everywhere else. Claims about the Census Geocoder describe their published model, not a price. Check their own pricing page for current rates.