An easier solution to the leading zero problem

  1. Start with the Excel file
  2. Add in 3 new columns (D, E, and F)
  3. Highlight column C and select “data / text to columns” from the menu
  4. Select “fixed format” and then use the cursor to separate columns 1-2, 3-5, and 6-9
  5. Finish

The result should look like this and allows a match/merge by State, County, and Township.

State Jurisdiction FIPSState FIPSCounty FIPSextra QA1a
AK ALASKA 02 0 0 560146
AL AUTAUGA COUNTY 01 1 0 34727
AL BALDWIN COUNTY 01 3 0 114952
AL BARBOUR COUNTY 01 5 0 16450
AL BIBB COUNTY 01 7 0 12239
AL BLOUNT COUNTY 01 9 0 31874
AL BULLOCK COUNTY 01 11 0 7650
AL BUTLER COUNTY 01 13 0 12898