Mapping the Latest GDP Data for the Nation's Metropolitan Areas

Continuing Planetizen's survey of data dumps by the federal government is a post devoted to the gross domestic product (economic clout, in other words) of the country's metropolitan areas.

1 minute read

September 28, 2017, 10:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


A post on HowMuch maps recently released gross domestic product data from the Department of Commerce to present an illustration of the relative economic might of the metropolitan areas of the United States.

The map, "clearly shows a huge gap in terms of economic output," according to the post. "The disparity is so large that the top 20 metro areas collectively generate more output than all of the other 362 geographic areas put together ($7.872T vs $6.988T). If the top 20 cities formed their own country, they’d have the third largest economy in the world."

Another post by Jeff Desjardins provides additional analysis of the same GDP data and map, including a nod to the biggest risers and fallers: "The biggest increase was a tie between Lake Charles, LA and Bend-Redmond, OR, each which had GDP climb by 8.1% from the last year. The city that saw the biggest drop was Odessa, TX, which fell -13.3%." Also, "real gross domestic product (GDP) increased in 267 out of 382 metropolitan areas in 2016."

Additional news of federal data reports for 2016 released in September include Census data on poverty and income as well as commuting.

Tuesday, September 26, 2017 in HowMuch

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog