What geographical data is used in MKN?
The data available on MKN uses several different geographies: when contextualizing Portland within the United States, we use the MSA (“Metropolitan Statistical Area”), which includes both larger “Metrpolitan” and smaller “Micropolitan” areas. Excellent data is available at the level of metropolitan regions. Whenever possible, MKN includes data for Skamania county in Washington State to reflect the wider influence of the urban area and the greater integration in terms of commuting and employment. (One should note that MSA definitions are regularly changed to reflect changes in the US population. From 1950 to 1983, the Portland Metropolitan area was defined as Clackamas, Multnomah, Clark, and Washington Counties. In 1983, Yahmhill county was added. In 1993, the PMSA of Portland gained Columbia county, and a greater “core-based MSA” (CMSA) was created that includes Marion and Polk counties. For a discussion of Census definitions of Metropolitan areas, see this page.) When making compariso
