The metropolitan statistical area (MSA) is a centrally urbanized region with a minimum of 50,000 residents.
The concept of a metropolitan area is not quantified in terms of feet, as it is a socio-economic and demographic delineation rather than a physical measurement.
Metropolitan areas encompass regions characterized by social, economic, and commuting ties to a central city.
The size and boundaries of metropolitan areas are determined by factors such as population density, economic integration, and commuting patterns
.A typical MSA includes a core urban area with a population exceeding 50,000 and adjacent counties that demonstrate significant social and economic integration with the central city.
In the United States, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) designates metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), but these are not measured in feet.
Instead, they include a central city and adjacent counties that exhibit significant social and economic connections to the urban core. Internationally, definitions and criteria for metropolitan areas may vary.
Physical size is more appropriately measured in square miles or square kilometers when referring to the geographic extent of a metropolitan area.
However, the size of a metropolitan area in terms of population and economic activity is more relevant for understanding its impact and significance in regional and global contexts.