Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA)

Definition

A Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) is a U.S. geographic region defined by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that centers around one or more urbanized areas or urban clusters with a population of at least 10,000 people. CBSAs are divided into two main categories based on population size:

Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA): Areas with an urban core population of 50,000 or more.
Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSA): Areas with an urban core population between 10,000 and 50,000.

A CBSA typically includes the urban core (central county) and adjacent counties with high degrees of economic and social integration with that core, as measured by commuting patterns.

Examples

New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA MSA: This metropolitan area includes New York City and surrounding counties in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Columbus, OH MSA: This metropolitan statistical area covers the core city of Columbus, Ohio, and adjacent counties heavily integrated economically.
Carson City, NV μSA: As a micropolitan area, Carson City includes the city of Carson City and nearby counties that show significant economic ties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary purpose of defining CBSAs?

CBSAs provide a standardized means to collect and analyze geographical data for federal statistical purposes, ensuring consistency in assessing and comparing economic and demographic data across different regions.

How often are CBSA definitions updated?

The OMB periodically reviews and updates CBSA definitions based on new Census Bureau data regarding population changes and commuting patterns.

What differentiates an MSA from a μSA?

The key difference lies in the population size of the urban core; MSAs have populations of 50,000 or more, while μSAs range between 10,000 and 50,000.

Are CBSAs used for federal funding distributions?

While the definitions themselves do not directly mandate federal funding distribution, several federal programs and grants use CBSA delineations to allocate resources and support projects.

Can a CBSA span multiple states?

Yes, CBSAs can and often do encompass counties from multiple states, provided that those counties have significant sociological and economic links with the urban core area.

Urbanized Area (UA): A densely settled area with a population of 50,000 or more.
Urban Cluster (UC): A densely settled territory with a population of at least 2,500 but less than 50,000.
Metropolitan Division: A smaller group within larger MSAs with at least 2.5 million people, divided for more granular analysis.
Combined Statistical Area (CSA): An aggregate of adjacent CBSAs with economic ties.

Online Resources

References

Office of Management and Budget (OMB). “2010 Standards for Delineating Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas,” Federal Register, 75, 123. June 28, 2010.
U.S. Census Bureau, “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas.”

Suggested Books for Further Studies

The Rise of the Creative Class by Richard Florida
Metropolitan Development and Growth Management: Theories and Approaches by Reid Ewing
Urban Economics by Arthur O’Sullivan
The New Urban Crisis by Richard Florida
Regional and Urban Economics and Economic Development: Theory and Methods by Mary E. Edwards

Real Estate Basics: Core-Based Statistical Area Fundamentals Quiz

### What is the minimum population for a CBSA to be defined? - [x] 10,000 inhabitants - [ ] 25,000 inhabitants - [ ] 50,000 inhabitants - [ ] 100,000 inhabitants > **Explanation:** A CBSA must have a minimum of 10,000 people in its urban core. ### What is a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)? - [ ] An area with no more than 10,000 inhabitants - [x] An area with an urban core population of 50,000 or more - [ ] An area consisting only of rural territories - [ ] An exclusive designation for state capitals > **Explanation:** An MSA is defined as an area with an urban core population of 50,000 or more. ### What agency defines CBSAs? - [ ] The Census Bureau - [x] The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) - [ ] The Department of Housing and Urban Development - [ ] The Federal Reserve > **Explanation:** The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is responsible for defining CBSAs. ### Can a CBSA be confined to a single state? - [ ] Yes, it must be confined to a single state. - [x] No, it can extend across state boundaries. - [ ] Only if approved by Congress - [ ] If it is in rural regions only > **Explanation:** A CBSA can extend across state boundaries depending on the economic and social links. ### How often are CBSA definitions updated? - [ ] Annually - [ ] Every two years - [ ] Every decade - [x] Periodically, based on new data from the Census Bureau > **Explanation:** CBSA definitions are updated periodically based on the latest data from the Census Bureau. ### What is the difference between a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and a Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA)? - [ ] MSAs are more rural while μSAs are urban. - [x] MSAs have a population of 50,000 or more, while μSAs have a population between 10,000 and 50,000. - [ ] μSAs require state approval, and MSAs do not. - [ ] There is no difference. > **Explanation:** MSAs have an urban core with a population of 50,000 or more, whereas μSAs have populations between 10,000 and 50,000. ### Are CBSA definitions used for federal funding distributions? - [ ] Yes, exclusively - [x] Indirectly, through programs and grants that use CBSA delineations - [ ] They have no relevance to federal funding. - [ ] Occasionally, by state mandate. > **Explanation:** CBSA definitions are indirectly used for federal funding distributions through related programs and grants. ### What aspect primarily defines the inclusion of adjacent counties in a CBSA? - [ ] Proximity to state borders - [ ] Average income levels - [ ] Visual resemblance to the urban core - [x] Socio-economic integration, measured by commuting patterns > **Explanation:** Adjacent counties are included based on socio-economic integration, especially commuting patterns with the urban core. ### What term is used for a densely settled territory with a population between 2,500 and 50,000? - [ ] Core Territory - [ ] Metropolitan Division - [x] Urban Cluster (UC) - [ ] County Seat > **Explanation:** An Urban Cluster (UC) is defined as a densely settled territory with a population between 2,500 and 50,000. ### What is a Combined Statistical Area (CSA)? - [ ] A union of districts within a state - [ ] An assembly of collegiate zones - [x] An aggregate of adjacent CBSAs with economic ties - [ ] A coalition of urban and rural areas > **Explanation:** A Combined Statistical Area (CSA) is an aggregate of adjacent CBSAs with significant economic ties.