San Rafael, California

Overview

Situated in San Rafael, California, Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center functions as a key hospital serving the broader regional population. The critical healthcare facility plays a meaningful role in the area's commercial and civic landscape, anchoring a network of nearby communities. A closer look at the reachable population within 30 minutes reveals the reach and importance of this destination.

Population catchment

Approximately 736,151 residents live within a 30-minute drive of Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center, spread across 20 distinct incorporated communities. Vallejo, with a population of 126,090, is the dominant community in the catchment area, accounting for 17% of the reachable population. Following Vallejo, Berkeley adds 124,321 residents, while Richmond contributes 116,448, broadening the demographic base of the area. This concentration highlights the demographic weight of the primary population center relative to smaller surrounding communities.

Regional dependence

Regional dependence is evident in the demographic profile surrounding Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center. With 12 of 20 communities registering populations under 25,000, many residents travel beyond their home communities for services available at or near Vallejo. Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center benefits from this travel pattern, serving as a practical destination for a dispersed population base across California.

Geographic interpretation

Geographically, the communities within 30 minutes of Kaiser Permanente San Rafael Medical Center form a urban corridor. Several communities in the catchment surpass 50,000 people, pointing to a well-developed urban or suburban area with established infrastructure. Vallejo dominates the population landscape, and the surrounding communities create a concentrated distribution. A median population of 14,877 among the catchment communities suggests that substantially smaller communities are the norm, with only a few larger population centers. This settlement pattern influences commuting behavior and access to regional destinations throughout California.