Combined Statistical Area (CSA)

Definition

A Combined Statistical Area (CSA), as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, is a geographic entity consisting of two or more adjacent metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) or micropolitan statistical areas (μSAs), or combinations thereof, that have substantial employment interchange. In simpler terms, a CSA is formed when two or more neighboring urban areas have significant economic and social connections.

Examples

1. New York–Newark–Bridgeport CSA

• Components:
  • New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-PA MSA
  • Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT MSA
  • New Haven-Milford, CT MSA
  • Trenton-Princeton, NJ MSA
  • Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY MSA
  • Torrington, CT μSA

2. San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland CSA

• Components:
  • San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA MSA
  • San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA MSA
  • Napa, CA MSA
  • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA MSA
  • Vallejo-Fairfield, CA MSA

3. Chicago-Naperville, IL-IN-WI CSA

• Components:
  • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI MSA
  • Kankakee, IL MSA
  • Michigan City-La Porte, IN MSA

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the purpose of defining Combined Statistical Areas?

• A1: CSAs provide a broader understanding of the economic and social interactions between adjoining urban areas, helping in regional planning, transportation projects, and economic development endeavors.

Q2: How are the boundaries of a CSA determined?

• A2: The boundaries of a CSA are determined based on economic and social connections, primarily employment interchange, between adjacent metropolitan and micropolitan areas. These definitions are routinely assessed and adjusted by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Q3: Can a CSA include both MSAs and μSAs?

• A3: Yes, a CSA can include a combination of both metropolitan statistical areas and micropolitan statistical areas.

Q4: Are CSAs used for statistical purposes only or for administrative purposes as well?

• A4: CSAs are primarily used for statistical purposes to analyze regional demographics and economics. They are not generally used for administrative purposes like governance or jurisdiction.

Q5: How often are CSAs updated?

• A5: The U.S. Census Bureau typically updates CSAs every 10 years, following the decennial census, though adjustments may be made periodically based on new data.

Related Terms

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): A region that comprises a core city with a large population and its surrounding communities that have high socioeconomic integration with the core.

Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA): A smaller urban area that has a core urban area with population between 10,000 and 50,000 people, along with adjacent communities that are socioeconomically linked to the core.

Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA): A general term that encompasses both MSAs and μSAs. It includes any region with a substantial core population and adjacent economically integrated areas.

Online Resources

• U.S. Census Bureau Glossary
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

References

• U.S. Census Bureau. (2021). “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas.”
• Office of Management and Budget. (2020). “Revised Delineations of Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, and Combined Statistical Areas, and Guidance on Uses of the Delineations of these Areas.”

Suggested Books

• “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” by Jane Jacobs
• “Triumph of the City” by Edward Glaeser
• “The Metropolitan Revolution: How Cities and Metros Are Fixing Our Broken Politics and Fragile Economy” by Bruce Katz and Jennifer Bradley
• “Regions and Cities: Cities and Economies” by Kim England and Kevin Ward

Real Estate Basics: Combined Statistical Area (CSA) Fundamentals Quiz