Number of Businesses Grow in Metros, Shrink in Micros

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America Counts: Stories Behind the Numbers

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Number of Businesses Grow in Metros, Shrink in Micros

Much of the nation’s population growth in recent decades occurred in metro areas – now home to 86% of the U.S. population.

Despite that, smaller towns still account for a significant portion of the population in many states and remain substantial contributors to the U.S. economy.

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The Office of Management and Budget recognizes 382 U.S. Metropolitan Statistical Areas, defined as urban cores of at least 50,000 people and any surrounding counties that are economically linked based on commuting patterns.

But there are also 551 Micropolitan Statistical Areas (micro areas) in the United States. They’re made up of a central county with fewer than 50,000 but more than 10,000 people and include the population of any surrounding counties with strong commuting ties to the urban core.

Continue reading to learn more about:

  • Where are micropolitan statistical areas?
  • Employer businesses in micro areas
  • Top micro areas
  • Industry sector comparisons
  • Employer business size comparisons
  • Nonemployer establishments and rankings

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