Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Definition Change Proposal

The federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is requesting public comment on proposed changes to its metropolitan and micropolitan area definition.  

OMB’s most critical proposed change would increase the minimum Urbanized Area population threshold used to establish a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) from 50,000 to 100,000 people.  The criteria for micropolitan areas will change to an Urbanized Area population threshold of 10,000 to 99,999 people.  In California, the threshold change will move a number of counties from the MSA to the micropolitan statistical area designation.   They are: Butte (Chico), Kings (Hanford-Corcoran), Madera (Madera), Napa (Napa), and San Luis Obispo Counties (San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles).   

The Federal Register notice and supporting documents can be accessed here.  Comments are due Friday, March 19, 2021.
 
For further information, please contact James D. Fitzsimmons, Chair, Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Standards Review Committee at statistical_directives@omb.eop.gov.