The US Census Bureau now has a category for semi-rural areas.
Until recently, the Census Bureau had divided the United States in two categories: Metropolitan Areas and Non-Metropolitan Areas. Now it has identified Micropolitan Areas--regions surrounded by core cities of 50,000-100,000 people. Much of George W. Bush's support came from these areas in the 2004 election, notably Ohio. The New York Times Magazine recently profiled this category and its expoloration in its "Year in Ideas" cover story.
Thanks to Jennifer LeFurgy
FULL STORY: The Year in Ideas: The Micropolis

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