Definition§
A Combined Statistical Area (CSA) is a term used by the U.S. Census Bureau to describe a geographical region that consists of two or more adjacent Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), Micropolitan Statistical Areas (μSAs), or a combination of both. These areas are integrated economically and socially, showing significant commuting interconnections and other shared socioeconomic characteristics.
Examples§
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New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA CSA: This CSA includes the New York City MSA, the Newark MSA, and several Micropolitan Statistical Areas in Connecticut and Pennsylvania, reflecting the large interconnected economic region around New York City.
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Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA CSA: Comprising the Los Angeles MSA and several surrounding μSAs like Riverside-San Bernardino, this CSA demonstrates the extensive commuting patterns and economic linkages in Southern California.
Frequently Asked Questions§
1. What is the purpose of defining a Combined Statistical Area (CSA)?
Defining a CSA helps in the analysis of regional economic activities, commuting patterns, and social interconnections. It provides a broader understanding of the interconnectedness between different areas and helps in regional planning and policy-making.
2. How is a CSA different from an MSA?
An MSA is a single metropolitan area with a core urban area of 50,000 or more population and its adjacent territories showing economic and social integration. A CSA, on the other hand, encompasses multiple MSAs or μSAs that are economically linked, indicating a broader region of interconnected metropolitan and micropolitan areas.
3. Who defines and updates the boundaries of CSAs?
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is responsible for defining and updating the boundaries of CSAs based on data collected primarily by the U.S. Census Bureau.
4. How often are CSAs updated?
Combined Statistical Areas are reviewed and updated after each decennial census, reflecting changes in population and commuting patterns.
Related Terms§
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Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): A geographical region with a core urban area of at least 50,000 population and encompassing areas with a high degree of social and economic integration with the core, as defined by commuting ties.
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Micropolitan Statistical Area (μSA): A smaller-scale MSA with an urban core of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000 population, also featuring strong socio-economic ties with adjacent areas.
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Core-Based Statistical Area (CBSA): This encompasses both Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas, used collectively to determine regions surrounding urbanized cores.
Online References§
Suggested Books for Further Studies§
- The Demographics and Development Series: Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas of the United States by Jennifer C. Shooter
- Urbanized Areas: Criteria and Applications by John W. Tukey
- Measuring Sprawl and Its Impact: The Character & Consequences of Sprawl by Reid Ewing
Fundamentals of Combined Statistical Area: Geography Basics Quiz§
Thank you for exploring the concept of Combined Statistical Areas and participating in our informative quiz. Your understanding of statistical geography can profoundly impact various aspects of socio-economic planning and analysis!
