Definition
A Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA) is a census designation created by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to identify regions with an urban core of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000 people. These areas often serve as important centers of employment and commerce within larger rural regions. Unlike their larger counterparts, metropolitan statistical areas, micropolitan areas typically exhibit lower population densities but still play vital roles in their local economies.
Examples
- Gillespie County, Texas: Recently designated as a micropolitan statistical area, Gillespie County’s principal city is Fredericksburg, known for its role as a key economic center in Texas’s Hill Country.
- Danville, Illinois: This micropolitan area centers around the city of Danville, which serves as a significant employment and trading hub for surrounding rural regions.
- Cullman County, Alabama: The city of Cullman in this county qualifies it as a micropolitan area, providing numerous services and economic activities to the wider region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies an area to be designated as a Micropolitan Statistical Area?
An area must have an urban core population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000 people, along with surrounding counties that are socioeconomically integrated with the urban core.
How is a Micropolitan Statistical Area different from a Metropolitan Statistical Area?
A Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes an urban core with a population of 50,000 or more, while a Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA) includes an urban core with a population between 10,000 and 49,999.
Why is the designation of a Micropolitan Statistical Area important?
This designation helps in understanding demographic and economic trends, aids in governance and policy-making, and can impact federal funding and investment decisions.
How does the U.S. Census Bureau determine Micropolitan Statistical Areas?
The designation is based on population data collected during the decennial census and annual surveys, reviewed and updated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Are there economic benefits associated with the Micropolitan Statistical Area designation?
Yes, areas designated as micropolitan may receive targeted federal funding and grants aimed at regional economic development and infrastructure improvements.
Related Terms
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Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): An area containing an urban core of 50,000 or more people, including adjacent counties that are socioeconomically tied to the land through commuting patterns.
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Urban Area: A region characterized by higher population density and vast human features compared to surrounding areas.
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Rural Area: Often characterized by lower population density and smaller settlements, usually outside the bounds of urban areas.
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Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA): Collective term referring to both metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas.
Online Resources
- U.S. Census Bureau - Metropolitan and Micropolitan
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
- Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC) - Census Data
References
- U.S. Census Bureau. (2023). “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas.” Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/metro-micro.html
- Office of Management and Budget. (2021). “Standards for Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas.” Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Urban Geography: A Critical Introduction” by Andrew E.G. Jonas, Eugene McCann, and Mary Thomas.
- “The American Midwest: Managing Change in Rural Transition” edited by Norman Walzer.
- “Geography of Small Town America” by Nicholas S. Morrison.
