Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
A Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is a geographic region with a population of at least 50,000 people that is used by the U.S. Census Bureau to measure and analyze population and economic data. MSAs are typically composed of one or more counties and are used to define the boundaries of a metropolitan area. MSAs are used to measure and compare population, economic, and housing data across different regions.
History of Metropolitan Statistical Areas
The concept of Metropolitan Statistical Areas was first introduced in the 1950s by the U.S. Census Bureau. The Bureau used MSAs to measure and compare population, economic, and housing data across different regions. The Bureau also used MSAs to define the boundaries of a metropolitan area. MSAs have since become an important tool for measuring and analyzing population and economic data.
Table of Comparisons
Metropolitan Statistical Area | Population | Median Household Income |
---|---|---|
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | 20,320,876 | $71,897 |
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 13,353,907 | $63,783 |
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 9,498,716 | $62,811 |
Summary
Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) are geographic regions with a population of at least 50,000 people that are used by the U.S. Census Bureau to measure and analyze population and economic data. MSAs are typically composed of one or more counties and are used to define the boundaries of a metropolitan area. MSAs are an important tool for measuring and analyzing population and economic data, and can be used to compare population, economic, and housing data across different regions. For more information about MSAs, visit the U.S. Census Bureau website or the Bureau of Economic Analysis website.
See Also
- Urban Area
- Combined Statistical Area
- Core Based Statistical Area
- Economic Area
- Labor Market Area
- Metropolitan Division
- Micropolitan Statistical Area
- Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area
- Combined Metropolitan Statistical Area