Definition
A Principal City is the main city (or cities) within a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) or Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA) for which the area is named. These cities usually represent the largest population concentrations within these areas and often serve as economic, cultural, and social hubs.
MSAs and µSAs are geographical regions with high population densities and close economic ties throughout. The principal city within these areas is often the focus of governmental resources, policy planning, real estate development, and urban studies.
Examples
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Dallas, TX: Though the Dallas-Plano-Irving Metropolitan Division includes multiple cities, the city of Dallas is the principal city with a population of about 1.2 million people, as opposed to the total division population of around 5 million.
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Atlanta, GA: The Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta MSA identifies Atlanta as the principal city, highlighting it as the key urban center among surrounding suburbs and smaller cities.
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New York, NY: In the New York-Newark-Bridgeport MSA, New York City serves as the principal city, notwithstanding the numerous large and economically significant cities that fall within the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the significance of a Principal City?
The designation of a principal city helps in determining resource allocation, policy decisions, zoning, and urban development. It centralizes the focus for various economic and demographic analyses and urban planning projects.
How is a Principal City determined?
Principal City designation is based on population size and economic significance within the MSA or µSA. The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) generally determines these designations.
Can there be more than one Principal City in a Metropolitan Statistical Area?
Yes, some MSAs and µSAs have more than one principal city, especially if multiple cities within the area hold substantial economic and population weight.
Related Terms with Definitions
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Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): A region with a high population density at its core and economic ties throughout the area.
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Micropolitan Statistical Area (µSA): A smaller version of an MSA, typically with one city and its surrounding territories which have socioeconomic ties.
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Urban Core: The most densely populated part of a metropolitan area where economic, cultural, and social activities are concentrated.
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Census Designated Place (CDP): In certain cases, areas similar to principal cities may be designated for statistical purposes without having corporate statuses like incorporated cities.
Online Resources
- U.S. Census Bureau: Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas data
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB): OMB Bulletins
References
- “Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas of the United States and Puerto Rico,” U.S. Census Bureau.
- “OMB Bulletin No. 18-04,” Office of Management and Budget.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
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“Urban Economics” by Arthur O’Sullivan
- A comprehensive textbook exploring the economic forces driving urban areas and the role of key cities within those areas.
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“Exploring the Urban Community: A GIS Approach” by Richard P. Greene, James B. Pick, and Lynn W. Pick
- This book offers an investigative approach to understanding urban communities using Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
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“The City in History: Its Origins, Its Transformations, and Its Prospects” by Lewis Mumford
- An in-depth look at the history and evolution of cities, defining the role principal cities have played over time.
