Labor Market Area Definitions

Metropolitan and micropolitan areas are defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget. Metropolitan areas have at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more population, plus adjacent cities/towns that have a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties. Micropolitan areas are defined in the same way but have an urban cluster of at least 10,000 but less than 50,000 persons.

The smaller labor market areas are defined by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Commuting pattern data from the 2010 American Community Survey were used to determine the degree of economic integration among the cities, towns, and unincorporated areas not included in the metropolitan or micropolitan areas. Further information is available here.

Labor force estimates (employment, unemployment, and the unemployment rate) will be developed for 30 labor market areas in Maine. These 30 areas include metropolitan, micropolitan, and small labor market areas. Three of these areas combine parts of Maine with parts of New Hampshire. Labor force estimates will be published for two combined areas as well. The combined areas consist of adjacent metropolitan and/or micropolitan areas meeting specific criteria. For geographical definitions of areas, please see below.

Maine Labor Market Areas (PDF Map) (Excel)

* Isolated towns are not attached to a defined labor market area.