Why is like the Cleveland metro-market defined in like so many different ways?

Like some places list it with a metro population of 4.5 million, some say 3.3 million, some (most) say 2.9 million, some even say 2.2 million.



What's the deal?



Is it cause they like include Canton and Akron and like Youngstown and stuff? That would make sense cause those places get all their news and TV from Cleveland.



I'm like doing a study on Cleveland for something and any info would like help and stuff.



I love you.



Seriously.



Hold me, like seriously and stuff.Why is like the Cleveland metro-market defined in like so many different ways?
Well, you are exactly right about some market data including cities like Akron, Canton, and Youngstown. Depending on what the market data is used for, you will hear different numbers. Northeast Ohio is actually very urbanized and metropolitan compared to other parts of the state which are largely rural. For example, you can actually immediately leave Columbus and Cincinnati city limits and be in a completely rural environment. In Cleveland it is hard to go twenty miles outside the city limits and see open space. So, because Northeast Ohio in general is all very urbanized it is difficult to determine what Greater 'Cleveland' really is and includes.



I would consider the 'real' metro area to include the population of Cuyahoga County and the population of all municipalities in other counties that border Cuyahoga. I think a 'fair' assesment metro-market assesment would include all people living in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Lake, Geauga, and Summit counties. This fair assesment is probably where the 2.9 million comes from, but I don't know for sure.Why is like the Cleveland metro-market defined in like so many different ways?
Well, Akron/Canton and the Youngstown area are usually not considered in the census bureau numbers for Cleveland, but depending on whether you are using marketing data, you will see those areas included. Cleveland has been losing population steadily since the 1970's when the shift from the manufacturing to the service economy occurred. Originally, areas like Solon, Chagrin Falls, Twinsburg and Hudson weren't considered part of the Cleveland area. Many of them were in the Western Reserve. In fact, the metro park system or emerald necklace used to delineate Cleveland proper. And, although Aurora is in Summit county it is still considered today as a suburb of Cleveland.



So, it depends a lot on whether you are doing a study of the "Cleveland area" or the City of Cleveland Proper. And then of course, do you include the Heights (Cleveland Heights, Coventry, etc.) You are going to have to define the area you exactly wish to research and set your own parameters.