Growth and Volatility of Micropolitan Statistical Areas in the U.S

A micropolitan statistical area is defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce as “A core based statistical area associated with at least one urban cluster that has a population of at least 10,000, but less than 50,000.” Recently, the U.S. Census Bureau also identified the micropolitan area as an “emerging metropolitan area.” Despite its growing importance, the literature on the economic characteristics of micropolitan areas so far has been limited. The objectives of this study are: (1) to describe the geographic distribution, growth, and volatility of the U.S. micropolitan areas during the 1969-2012 period; and (2) to identify and measure the determinants of growth and volatility of micropolitan areas. Findings show that micropolitan area growth is dependent on sectoral composition, initial market size, and spatial/locational effects