A Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) is a term used by the United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that refers to a geographic entity anchored by an urban center with significant population density and economic activity. A CBSA consists of the county or counties associated with at least one core—defined as an urbanized area or urban cluster—of at least 10,000 people, plus adjacent counties that exhibit a high degree of social and economic integration with the core, typically measured through commuting patterns.
Types of Core-Based Statistical Areas
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs)
An MSA is a CBSA that has an urban core with a population of 50,000 or more. MSAs are characterized by the following attributes:
- Population Density: High population density at the core.
- Economic and Social Integration: Significant levels of commuting and economic interaction between the central core and surrounding areas.
Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs)
A μSA is a CBSA that has an urban core with a population of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000. Key characteristics include:
- Smaller Urban Core: The urban cluster is smaller compared to MSAs.
- Economic Ties: There is noticeable economic interdependence between the urban core and outlying counties, albeit on a smaller scale compared to MSAs.
Measuring Social and Economic Integration
The integration of adjacent counties with the core is primarily assessed through commuting ties:
- Commuting Patterns: High commuting rates indicate that a substantial share of the workforce commutes regularly from outlying areas to the core, or vice versa.
- Economic Networks: The flow of goods, services, and economic activities between the core and its surrounding areas.
Historical Context
The concept of CBSAs was introduced in 2003 by the OMB to provide a more nuanced understanding of the socio-economic dynamics in urban and rural settings. It replaced the previous classifications of Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSAs) and Non-Metropolitan Areas, reflecting shifts in population distribution and economic activities.
Applicability and Usage
Census Bureau and Policy-Making
CBSAs are crucial for the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies in:
- Data Collection: Gathering and analyzing demographic, social, and economic data.
- Policy Formulation: Guiding decisions on infrastructure, healthcare, education, and urban planning.
Business and Market Research
For businesses and market researchers, CBSAs provide:
- Market Insights: Identification of target markets and consumer bases.
- Strategic Planning: Allocation of resources and planning of expansion activities based on population and economic trends.
Comparisons with Related Terms
Urbanized Areas vs. Urban Clusters
- Urbanized Area (UA): Densely developed residential, commercial, and other non-residential areas with a population of 50,000 or more.
- Urban Cluster (UC): Similar to an urbanized area but with a population between 10,000 and 50,000.
Rural Areas
- Rural Areas: Regions outside of CBSAs, characterized by low population density and limited economic activities compared to urban cores.
FAQs
What qualifies a county to be part of a CBSA?
How often are CBSAs updated?
How are CBSAs used in federal funding?
References
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (2003). Standards for Defining Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas. Link
- United States Census Bureau. (2020). Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas. Link
Summary
The Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA) is a fundamental geographic concept used to understand and delineate urban regions in the United States based on population and economic integration. Comprising both Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) and Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs), CBSAs offer insights into demographic trends, economic activities, and commuting patterns. Such tools are essential for government policy-making, business strategy, and academic research.
