Gun Barrel City, Texas

Overview

Situated in Gun Barrel City, Texas, UT Health East Texas Cedar Creek Lake 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 42,223 residents live within a 30-minute drive of UT Health East Texas Cedar Creek Lake, spread across 18 distinct incorporated communities. Athens, with a population of 12,857, is the dominant community in the catchment area, accounting for 30% of the reachable population. Following Athens, Kaufman adds 6,797 residents, while Gun Barrel City contributes 6,190, 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 UT Health East Texas Cedar Creek Lake. With 15 of 18 communities registering populations under 5,000, many residents travel beyond their home communities for services available at or near Athens. UT Health East Texas Cedar Creek Lake benefits from this travel pattern, serving as a practical destination for a dispersed population base across Texas.

Geographic interpretation

Geographically, the communities within 30 minutes of UT Health East Texas Cedar Creek Lake form a suburban corridor. The area features a suburban pattern where several communities of moderate size coexist with smaller towns, creating a varied demographic landscape. Athens dominates the population landscape, and the surrounding communities create a moderately concentrated distribution. A median population of 950 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 Texas.