Metropolitan Statistical Area

views updated

Metropolitan Statistical Area A functional geographical classification of urban areas (formerly S[tandard]MSA), it comprises a large population nucleus and adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration with the nucleus. Urban areas may contain more than one MSA (these are P[rimary]MSAs), and more than one PMSA (these are C[onsolidated]MSAs). See also CONURBATION; MEGALOPOLIS; METROPOLIS.

More From encyclopedia.com

About this article

Metropolitan Statistical Area

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article

Related Content

NEARBY TERMS

Metropolitan Statistical Area