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Understanding Nonmetropolitan Areas in the United States

Nonmetropolitan refers to areas that are not part of a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or a micropolitan statistical area (μSA). These areas are typically smaller cities, towns, and rural areas that are not part of a larger urban core. Nonmetropolitan areas are often characterized by lower population densities, fewer economic opportunities, and limited access to certain services and amenities compared to metropolitan areas.

In the United States, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines nonmetropolitan counties as those that do not meet the criteria for an MSA or μSA. These counties are typically located in rural areas and have smaller populations and economies compared to metropolitan counties. Nonmetropolitan counties may also be referred to as "rural" or "micropolitan" counties, depending on their size and location.

It's worth noting that the definition of nonmetropolitan can vary depending on the context and the data source being used. For example, the US Census Bureau uses a different set of criteria to define nonmetropolitan areas based on population size and density. However, the OMB's definition is commonly used in research and policy discussions related to urban and rural issues.

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