Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Overview

Situated in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center - Westwood 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 26,842 residents live within a 30-minute drive of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center - Westwood, spread across 11 distinct incorporated communities. Poplar Bluff, with a population of 16,225, is the dominant community in the catchment area, accounting for 60% of the reachable population. Following Poplar Bluff, Dexter adds 7,927 residents, while Fairdealing contributes 543, 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 Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center - Westwood. With 9 of 11 communities registering populations under 5,000, many residents travel beyond their home communities for services available at or near Poplar Bluff. Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center - Westwood benefits from this travel pattern, serving as a practical destination for a dispersed population base across Missouri.

Geographic interpretation

Geographically, the communities within 30 minutes of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center - Westwood form a suburban corridor. The region blends suburban and semi-rural characteristics, with 1 communities above 10,000 residents alongside a collection of smaller incorporated places. Poplar Bluff dominates the population landscape, and the surrounding communities create a moderately concentrated distribution. A median population of 318 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 Missouri.