A micropolitan area is a geographic region that centers around a small city or town, typically with a population between 10,000 and 50,000 residents. These areas often include surrounding communities that are economically and socially linked to the central city. Micropolitan areas serve as important hubs for local services, education, and employment. Micropolitan areas are distinct from metropolitan areas, which have larger populations and more urbanized characteristics. The United States Census Bureau defines these regions to help understand population trends and economic development. Examples of micropolitan areas include Harrisonburg, Virginia and Burlington, Iowa.