> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.propertylayer.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Flat files

> Bulk parcel data delivery for high-volume, benchmarking, and AI/ML use cases.

## Overview

In addition to the API, PropertyLayer offers parcel data as flat file exports: full county or statewide datasets delivered as structured files. Flat files are the right choice when you need to process large volumes of parcels, run offline analysis, or build embeddings and AI pipelines.

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## API vs. flat files

| | API | Flat files |
| - | - | - |
| Best for | Real-time lookups, geographic queries, app integrations | Bulk processing, AI/ML, benchmarking, high-volume workflows |
| Delivery | On-demand via REST | File delivery (S3 or direct download) |
| Volume | Up to 5,000 properties/month on Professional plan | Entire states or nationwide |
| Latency | Real-time | Batch |
| Updates | Reflects latest data | Delivered on a scheduled cadence |
| Pricing | Subscription by parcel limit | Per state or nationwide |

**Use the API when** you need real-time access, geographic queries against user-submitted polygons, or per-parcel lookups in a live application.

**Use flat files when** you need more than 5,000 properties/month, are benchmarking data quality before committing, building embeddings for an AI workflow, or loading parcel data into your own data warehouse.

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## AI and ML workflows

Most AI and ML work wants the whole corpus offline rather than one property at a time, which is what flat files are for. Typical uses are batch embedding generation over full parcel records in Databricks or Spark, vector indexes built over the text fields (owner, address, legal description), and semantic search that embeds a query and retrieves similar parcels.

One caveat: flat files are not the same shape the API returns. A response carries sections such as `ownership` and `valuation_current` that the flat files do not. Null behavior is the same in both: a missing value means the county did not publish it.

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## Pricing

Flat files are priced per state or as a nationwide dataset. Pricing depends on the states and update cadence required.

Contact [support@propertylayer.com](mailto:support@propertylayer.com) for a quote.

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## Frequently asked questions

**Can I use flat files for benchmarking before buying?**
Yes. Sample data is available on request; contact [support@propertylayer.com](mailto:support@propertylayer.com).

**Are updates included?**
Yes. Coverage expansions, data improvements, and additional counties added to your licensed area are included at no additional cost.

**What format are the files in?**
Contact [support@propertylayer.com](mailto:support@propertylayer.com) for current delivery format options.


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