Core-Based Statistical Areas

Introduction

Summary

Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) are geographic regions defined by the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that include a core urban area and adjacent communities with high social and economic integration, typically measured by commuting ties. A CBSA is a collective term for Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), which have an urban area of 50,000 or more, and Micropolitan Statistical Areas (Micros), which have an urban core of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000. CBSAs are used by federal statistical agencies to consistently collect and publish data and are useful for businesses to understand markets and identify trends.

Components of a CBSA

Types of CBSAs

How CBSAs Are Defined and Used

The map and table below give geographic data on Alabama's 26 CBSAs. The land and water areas are given in square miles.

Map

In the map below, the counties can be added as an area layer with the layer control, and the census-designated central points can be added as a point layer. Click on a feature to view summary information about the feature.

Tables

CBSA Table

Click on a row in the table to see the corresponding CBSA highlighted in green in the map above. Click on the row again to de-select.

CBSA GeoID Type Alabama Counties Tracts Population Housing Land Water

Summary Table by Type

Type CBSAs Counties Tracts Population Housing Land Water

Non-CBSA Counties

The 22 counties that are not a part of a CBSA can be considered completely rural.

Combined Demographics

List of Non-CBSA Counties