metropolitan hinterland

geography

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June 30, 2026

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A metropolitan hinterland refers to the tributary region closely linked economically to a nearby city or metropolitan area. This concept, derived from the German word meaning "land in back of," initially described the backcountry of a port. As geographical studies evolved, the term expanded to include inland towns and their surrounding economic realms, now often referred to as the urban hinterland.1

The U.S. Census Bureau's designation of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) serves as an example of a metropolitan hinterland. These areas include a central city, its contiguous urbanized surroundings, and adjacent counties that are economically tied to the central city.1

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hinterland
An example of 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,…
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An example of 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,…
Read More