Introduction to the Top 50 U.S. and Major Canadian Markets

The top 50 U.S. markets are ranked by population size, according to the 2006 Market Guide published by Editor & Publisher.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) defines Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) for federal statistical use, with assistance from the Bureau of the Census. An MSA has at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more people, plus adjacent territory that has a high degree of social and economic integration with the core as measured by commuting ties. MSAs are defined in terms of whole counties (or equivalent entities), including in the six New England states. 

For each of the U.S. markets, we have provided the following:

• Population estimates and percent of the population by ethnic groups, from the 2006 Market Guide published by Editor & Publisher.

• Civilian labor force and unemployment statistics for each market from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Metro area occupational employment and wage estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.         

For the U.S. markets, the Audit Bureau of Circulations, Fas-Fax, March 31, 2006, provided the circulation information for the leading newspapers. Contact information for the Chambers of Commerce was obtained from their websites.

For the top 25 U.S. markets, we have included major radio stations according to Arbitron's Spring 2006 rankings, and a list of the largest colleges and universities, from Peterson's Guide to Four-Year Colleges online edition.

The major Canadian markets are ranked according to figures from Statistics Canada. The Canadian equivalent to an MSA is a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA). Economic data for the Canadian markets was obtained from local economic development associations. Circulation of leading newspapers was gathered from the Audit Bureau of Circulations, Fas-Fax, March 31, 2006, for Canadian newspapers. The radio stations listed were provided by Canadian Broadcasting Sales. A listing of selected colleges and universities in the major provinces of Canada, as well as selected career websites in the country, are also included.  

While this information will give you a feel for a specific market, it is directional only. Other input will be necessary when planning your specific recruitment goals. Please ask your Bernard Hodes Group representative to assist you in implementing your targeted program.