Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

A Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is a designated region in the United States that typically consists of a large city and its surrounding suburbs and towns, which are economically and socially linked. The U.S. government defines these areas based on population density and commuting patterns. An MSA usually has at least one urbanized area with a population of 50,000 or more, and it helps in analyzing demographic data, planning services, and guiding economic development. Essentially, MSAs help us understand how urban and suburban areas function together in a cohesive economic landscape.