Smoothed Urbanized Area Boundary

After each decennial census, the Census 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 additonal areas and minimize situations where a given roadway goes into and out of the original census area.Areas with a population of between 5,000 and 49,99 are called Small Urban Areas. These areas are assigned a unique number that must be between 600 and 999. In 2010, there are 152 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 2010, there are 21 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 2010, there are 13 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.FHWA approved these boundaries in 2014.Date valid as of: December 2014Publish Date: May 2015Update Frequency: Every 10 years after decennial census