Census and Demographics Flashcards
Urbanized Area
Urban nucleus of 50,000 or more people
Urban Cluster
At least 2,500 people but less than 50,000
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
Includes at least 1 city with more than 50,000 people and a total metropolitan population of at least 100,000.
Micropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)
Has a population of more than 10,000 but less than 50,000 people. Includes a center county and adjacent counties that have high social and economic integration.
Census Designated Places (CDP)
Equivalent of an incorporated place for data purposes.
Consolidated MSA (CMSA)
Made up of several metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) Example: Dallas-Fort Worth
Core Based Statistical Area (CBSA)
Defined by the US Office and Budget to provide data for areas where there is a core area with at least 10,000 people.
Megalopolis
300 mile long urban area between Boston and Washington DC. 1961-Jean Gottman. Multi-city, urban area of more than 10 million people
Hierarchy of Census Geographic Entities (8)
Nation -> Regions -> Divisions -> States -> Counties -> Census Tracts -> Block Groups -> Census Blocks
Census Tract
Population between 2,000 and 8,000 people. Smallest area where all information is released.
Census Block
Smallest level at which data is collected.
Typically 400 housing units per block
Census Block Group
Group of census blocks, generally contains 600 - 3,000 people.
Minor Civil Divison (MCD)
Unit only used in 29 states and usually corresponds to a municipality.
Census County Divisions
Used in the 21 states that do not have Minor Civil Division (MCD)
Tribal Designated Statistical Area
Unit drawn by tribes that do not have a recognized land area.
