TxDOT Urbanized Areas

After each decennial census, the US Census Bureau develops Urban Areas that consist of a central core and adjacent densely settled territory that together contain at least 2,500 residents. For transportation planning purposes, however, only areas with a population of 5,000 are considered urban. These areas of over 5,000 population are then adjusted outwardly to capture additional areas and minimize situations where a given roadway goes into and out of the original census area. (see https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning%20/processes/statewide/related/highway_functional_classifications/section06.cfm) Areas with a population of between 5,000 and 49,999 are called Small Urban Areas. These areas are assigned a unique number that must be between 600 and 999. In 2020, there are 153 such areas in Texas. Areas with a population of between 50,000 and 199,999 are called Urbanized Areas and are assigned a unique number less than 600. In 2020, there are 20 such areas. Areas with a population of of 200,000 or more are called Large Urbanized Areas and are assigned a unique number less than 600. In 2020, there are 16 such areas. All Urbanized Areas and Large Urbanized Areas require a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) to shepherd the transportation planning process. MPOs that cover Large Urbanized Areas are considered Transportation Management Areas. Update Frequency: As Needed Source: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Security Level: Public Owned by TxDOT: False Related Links Data Dictionary PDF [Generated 2025/03/17]