In June 2003, the OMB announced the official list of Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Areas, based on population and worker commuting data reported in the 2000 Census. The 2000 standards were developed over the course of several years with public comment and review. In December 2000, the OMB announced new standards for designating Metropolitan Statistical Areas, including new statistical areas called Micropolitan Areas. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) maintains and updates Metropolitan Statistical Area classifications following the completion of each decennial census. While the definition has changed over time, a Metropolitan Statistical Area generally includes a city with substantial population along with adjacent communities having a high degree of economic and social integration. Metropolitan Statistical Areas were first established more than 50 years ago and provide nationally consistent definitions for reporting federal statistics, including economic data.
