Combined Statistical Area

Combined Statistical Area
Statistical Area
Country	United States

A Combined Statistical Area (CSA) is a geographic entity defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that consists of two or more adjacent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and/or Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs) that have substantial employment interchange. CSAs are used for statistical purposes and are not administrative divisions.

Definition and Purpose

The concept of a Combined Statistical Area was introduced to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the economic and social interactions between adjacent urban and rural areas. CSAs are particularly useful for analyzing regional economies and planning for infrastructure, transportation, and public services.

The OMB defines CSAs based on criteria that include:

• The degree of social and economic integration, as measured by commuting patterns.
• The presence of a central urban area that serves as a hub for surrounding communities.

Criteria for Formation

To form a CSA, the following criteria must be met:

• Two or more adjacent MSAs and/or μSAs must demonstrate significant employment interchange.
• The areas must meet specific thresholds of commuting interchange, typically a minimum of 15% of the workforce commuting between the areas.

Examples of Combined Statistical Areas

Some of the largest CSAs in the United States include:

• The New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA Combined Statistical Area, which is the most populous CSA in the country.
• The Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA Combined Statistical Area, known for its extensive economic and cultural influence.
• The Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI Combined Statistical Area, a major hub for finance, industry, and transportation.

Importance in Urban Planning

CSAs are crucial for urban planners and policymakers as they provide a framework for understanding the interconnectedness of urban and rural areas. By analyzing CSAs, planners can:

• Develop regional transportation networks that accommodate commuting patterns.
• Coordinate economic development initiatives across multiple jurisdictions.
• Address environmental and public health challenges that transcend municipal boundaries.

Statistical Use

CSAs are used by various federal and state agencies to collect and analyze data on:

• Population demographics
• Economic activity
• Housing and real estate trends

This data is essential for making informed decisions about resource allocation, infrastructure development, and public policy.

See Also

• Metropolitan Statistical Area
• Micropolitan Statistical Area
• Core-Based Statistical Area

References

• U.S. Census Bureau: Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas
• Office of Management and Budget: Statistical Programs and Standards