East Chicago, Indiana

Overview

Situated in East Chicago, Indiana, Saint Catherine Hospital 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 455,887 residents live within a 30-minute drive of Saint Catherine Hospital, spread across 20 distinct incorporated communities. Hammond, with a population of 77,879, is the dominant community in the catchment area, accounting for 17% of the reachable population. Following Hammond, Gary adds 69,093 residents, while Portage contributes 37,926, 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 Saint Catherine Hospital. With 6 of 20 communities registering populations under 10,000, many residents travel beyond their home communities for services available at or near Hammond. Saint Catherine Hospital benefits from this travel pattern, serving as a practical destination for a dispersed population base across Indiana.

Geographic interpretation

Geographically, the communities within 30 minutes of Saint Catherine Hospital form a urban corridor. Several communities in the catchment surpass 10,000 people, pointing to a well-developed urban or suburban area with established infrastructure. Hammond dominates the population landscape, and the surrounding communities create a concentrated distribution. A median population of 18,415 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 Indiana.