Charlottesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

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The Charlottesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Fluvanna County, Greene County, Nelson County and the incorporated town of Scottsville. Charlottesville is the MSA's principal city.

The Charlottesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is one of 392 (as of 2018) geographical region in the United States and Puerto Rico with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area.[1]This integration is primarily measured by commuting ties. People living in outlying rural areas, for example, may commute considerable distances to work, shop, or attend social activities in the urban center.

A MSA is a designation the U.S. government uses to refer to a region that, broadly speaking, consists of a city and its suburbs, plus any surrounding communities that are closely linked to the city because of social and/or economical factors. Defining urban areas has been the responsibility of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), an element of the White House. Statistical areas are named after the city the OMB defines as the "principal city", namely the administrative entity which forms the largest urban core.

Uses of Data About MSA

The Bureau of Labor Statistics uses MSA data to analyze labor market conditions within a geographical area. Within a metropolitan statistical area, workers can presumably change jobs without having to move to a new location, creating a relatively stable labor force.[2]

Statistical data about MSAs also helps government officials and businesses review information about per capita income, spending patterns, and unemployment rates. The resulting data can be used to formulate policies designed to stimulate economic growth in the region.

HUD normally uses current Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) definitions to define income limits areas because they closely correspond to housing market area definitions.[3]

MSA components

Note: Since a constitutional change in 1871, all cities in the state are independent cities. The OMB considers these independent cities to be county-equivalents for the purpose of defining MSAs in Virginia.

There are currently (as of September 14, 2018) four counties, one independent city and one incorporated town that contribute to the Charlottesville Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) (code 16820):[4] The United States Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issues periodic updates of the areas between decennial censuses based on Census Bureau data.[5]

Note: Whereas previous (OBO) bulletins included Buckingham in the (MSA)[6], the current (September 14, 2018) bulletin issued by the Executive Office of the President’s Office of Management & Budget does not. [7]

Note: of the 41 existing independent cities in the United States, 38 are located in Virginia.

See also: Albemarle County population

References