Metropolitan Statistical Area

Also known as: MSA

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June 30, 2026

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A metropolitan area is a large city and its surrounding suburbs and nearby towns that are economically and socially influenced by the main city. The term "metropolis" itself comes from Greek words meaning "mother city".1

In the United States, the U.S. Census Bureau uses the term Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). An MSA is defined as either a city with at least 50,000 people, or an urbanized area with at least 50,000 people and a total metropolitan population of at least 100,000 (or 75,000 in New England). An urbanized area is characterized by a population of at least 50,000 and a population density of at least 1,000 people per square mile. Previously, the term Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA) was used.12

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hinterland
…a metropolitan hinterland is the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. MSA’s are comprised of a central city, defined by the corporate limits; an urbanized, built-up area contiguous to the central city; and a non-urbanized area, delimited on a county basis, economically tied to the…
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…a metropolitan hinterland is the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. MSA’s are comprised of a central city, defined by the corporate limits; an urbanized, built-up area contiguous to the central city; and a non-urbanized area, delimited on a county basis, economically tied to the…
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metropolitan area
…employs a unit called a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) which includes either (1) a city with a population of at least 50,000 or (2) an urbanized area of at least 50,000 population with a total metropolitan population of at least 100,000 (75,000 in New England). An urbanized area is defined…
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…employs a unit called a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) which includes either (1) a city with a population of at least 50,000 or (2) an urbanized area of at least 50,000 population with a total metropolitan population of at least 100,000 (75,000 in New England). An urbanized area is defined…
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