standard metropolitan statistical areas

Standard Metropolitan Statistical Areas (SMSAs) are geographic regions defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget to represent urban areas and their surrounding communities that are economically and socially linked. They typically consist of a core city with a large population and nearby suburbs or towns that have strong commuting or economic ties to the center. These areas help government agencies, businesses, and researchers analyze population patterns, economic activity, and infrastructure. SMSAs facilitate regional planning and resource allocation by providing a standardized way to identify and study urbanized regions across the country.