Metropolitan statistical area (metro)
Also called MSA, metro.
A region built around an urban area of at least 50,000 people, plus nearby counties tied to it by commuting.
The Office of Management and Budget delineates metro areas, using counties as building blocks. Census and other agencies publish data by metro area. Source 1
Snoki's Housing Desk reports prices, permits and rates by metro. It describes the numbers, not the people who live there.