Metropolitan statistical area

Metropolitan_and_Micropolitan_Statistical_Areas_(CBSAs)_of_the_United_States_and_Puerto_Rico,_Mar_2020.png

Geographical region with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area

A metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is a geographical region with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area. MSAs are defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and used by the United States Census Bureau and other federal government agencies for statistical purposes.

Definition

The concept of a metropolitan statistical area is centered around a core urban area with a large population, along with adjacent communities that have a high degree of social and economic integration with the core. The criteria for defining an MSA include:

• A core urban area with a population of at least 50,000.
• Adjacent counties that have a high degree of economic and social integration with the core, as measured by commuting patterns.

Components

An MSA typically consists of one or more counties that encompass the core urban area and surrounding communities. These counties are often referred to as the "central counties" and "outlying counties." The central counties contain the core urban area, while the outlying counties are included based on their economic and social ties to the central counties.

Purpose and Use

MSAs are used for various purposes, including:

• Demographic and economic analysis.
• Urban planning and development.
• Allocation of federal funds.
• Policy making and research.

Examples

Some well-known MSAs in the United States include:

• New York City metropolitan area
• Los Angeles metropolitan area
• Chicago metropolitan area
• Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex
• San Francisco Bay Area

Related Concepts

Other related concepts include:

• Micropolitan statistical area: A smaller version of an MSA with an urban core population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000.
• Combined statistical area (CSA): A larger area that combines multiple MSAs and/or micropolitan statistical areas that have significant economic ties.

See Also

• Urban area
• Rural area
• Census-designated place
• Core-based statistical area

External Links

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