Codes and Frequencies
Description
MSASIZE reports the population size of the metropolitan area in which a household is located, if applicable.
While the Census Bureau's terminology for metropolitan areas and the classification of specific areas changes over time, the general concept is consistent: a metropolitan area consists of a large population center and adjacent communities that have a high degree of economic and social interaction.
MSASIZE information was added to the data by the Census Bureau, not collected from respondents.
Comparability
The size of the metropolitan area of residence is obtained from the householdâs final CPS interview. Since the ATUS interview is conducted 2-5 months after the final CPS interview, it is necessary to consult and to determine the correct metropolitan area codes (METFIPS) for respondents in the 2004, 2014, and 2025 ATUS samples.
Prior to May 2024, MSASIZE identifies the population size of the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) or primary metropolitan statistical area (PMSA) in which the household is located. Reference the CPS variable MSAPMSZ for more information.
Beginning in May 2025, MSASIZE identifies the population size of the core based statistical area (CBSA) in which the household is located. CBSA's are classified as either metropolitan or micropolitan statistical areas, but micropolitan areas are too small to be identified in the CPS public use microdata, so MSASIZE provides sizes of metropolitan areas only. Reference the CPS variable CBSASZ for more information.
Universe
- CPS households.
Availability
- 2003-2024
