A Typology of Micropolitan Areas in the United States

Bibliographic Data

ID21373549
AuthorsEvelyn D Ravuri (0000-0001-7976-6583, Saginaw Valley State University, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume76
Issue3
Pages355-366
Publication date2024-05-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Professional Geographer (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0033-0124 • E-ISSN: 1467-9272
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00330124.2024.2308614
OpenAlexW4393393454
LanguageEN
References cited34

In 2003, the U.S. Census Bureau created a new census designation known as micropolitan statistical areas to better differentiate between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. This article uses hierarchical clustering and discriminate analysis to create a typology of micropolitan areas using U.S. census data on demographic, housing, and economic characteristics. The regional concentration ratio (RCR) is then used to determine whether a cluster type is over- or underrepresented at the census division. The analysis revealed a three-cluster solution with: (1) a middle- class cluster overrepresented in the East North Central and West North Central divisions; (2) a poor, minority cluster overrepresented in the South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, and Mountain divisions; and (3) a high human capital cluster overrepresented in the New England, Mountain, and Pacific divisions. Of micropolitan areas, 59.8 percent were considered middle-class; 28.1 percent were poor, minority; and 12.1 percent were high human capital. The nine-cluster solution further refined cluster categories

Archaeology · Capital (architecture) · Census · Cluster (spacecraft) · Economic geography · Geography · Metropolitan area · Population · Regional science · Socioeconomics · Sociology · Typology · Demography · Regional Economic and Spatial Analysis · Regional Economics and Spatial Analysis · Regional resilience and development

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