The Metropolitan Influence of the 168 Standard Metropolitan Area Central Cities

The theoretical literature on metropolitanism usually conceives of a metropolis as a special type of city which performs integrating services for the hinterland. However, empirical studies of metropolitanism usually analyze units denned purely in terms of population size. This study analyzes the apparent taxonomic problem attached to the concept of metropolis by suggesting an answer to the question, “are all central cities of Standard Metropolitan Areas special types of cities performing integrative services for outlying areas far in excess of the average urban place?” Ranking central cities in terms of “per capita metropolitan activity performed” answers this question in the negative.