Metropolitan Statistical Area
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 U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and are used by the Census Bureau and other federal government agencies for statistical purposes.
For example, the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA MSA includes New York City, Newark, and Jersey City, as well as surrounding counties in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This MSA is one of the largest in the United States, with a population of over 20 million people.
MSAs can cross state lines and include both urban and rural areas. They are important for understanding regional economic trends, transportation planning, and resource allocation.
Some examples of MSAs in the United States include:
- Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
- Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
MSAs are constantly changing and evolving as populations shift and economies grow. They provide a valuable tool for policymakers and researchers to analyze and compare different regions of the country.
For more information on Metropolitan Statistical Areas, please visit Wikipedia.