Definition
A Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) is a geographical entity consisting of a core area with a substantial population, along with surrounding counties that exhibit high social and economic integration with the core. This integration is typically measured through commuting patterns. The two main categories of CBSAs are Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs).
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
An MSA encompasses one or more counties that include an urbanized area with a population of at least 50,000 inhabitants, plus adjacent counties or municipalities that have a high degree of social and economic interaction with the urban core.
Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs)
A μSA includes one or more counties that encompass an urban core area with a population between 10,000 and 49,999 people, plus adjacent counties with strong social and economic ties to the core.
Examples
- New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA MSA: This MSA includes multiple counties in three states with a highly integrated social and economic network centered around the core of New York City.
- Boise City, ID MSA: This area includes counties in Idaho that are highly integrated with the core city, Boise.
- Ottawa-Peru, IL μSA: This micropolitan area includes counties that have a small urban cluster and exhibit strong commuting ties to the core urban area of Ottawa and Peru.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How is the boundary of a CBSA determined? A1: Boundaries of CBSAs are determined by analyzing commuting patterns between counties. Data from the Census Bureau and other economic surveys help define these integrative ties.
Q2: Can a county be part of more than one CBSA? A2: No, a county can only belong to one CBSA. The county is included in the CBSA with which it has the strongest economic and social ties.
Q3: What happens if the population of a core area decreases below 10,000 people? A3: If the population of a core area drops below 10,000, it typically would no longer qualify as a CBSA. However, such changes are reassessed periodically by the Census Bureau.
Related Terms
- Urbanized Area (UA): A continuously built-up area with a population of at least 50,000 people.
- Urban Cluster (UC): A continuously built-up area with a population between 2,500 and 49,999.
- Census Tract: A geographic region defined for the purpose of taking a census, usually corresponding to neighborhoods or areas with stable population numbers.
- Commuting Zone (CZ): Areas defined based on commuting patterns, not limited by standard administrative boundaries.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Exploring Urban Data with R: Tackling Large-Scale, Real-World Problems Using Data Analytics” by Francesca Lazzeri
- “Demographic Applications of GIS” by Richard L. Forstall
- “Geographic Information Science and Mountain Geomorphology” by Michael P. Bishop and John F. Shroder
Fundamentals of Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA): Statistics Basics Quiz
Thank you for delving into the intricacies of Core-Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs). Keep enhancing your understanding of geographic and demographic statistics for a deeper grasp of urban and rural development patterns.
