Staunton, Virginia

Overview

As a nationally recognized natural attraction in Staunton, Virginia, Staunton National Cemetery occupies a central position within the regional infrastructure. This national park connects residents across multiple incorporated places, making it a focal point for the surrounding area. Analyzing the population within a 30-minute drive sheds light on how this location fits into the broader community network.

Population catchment

The catchment area surrounding Staunton National Cemetery includes 20 incorporated communities with a combined population of roughly 165,329. Harrisonburg anchors this population base at 51,814 residents, comprising approximately 31% of the total. Staunton and Waynesboro, with populations of 25,750 and 22,196 respectively, round out the top three communities by population in the 30-minute radius. The distribution of population across these communities paints a picture of the regional demographic landscape.

Regional dependence

The data reveals that 16 communities out of 20 near Staunton National Cemetery have fewer than 10,000 residents. These smaller incorporated places look to Harrisonburg and its surrounding infrastructure for commerce, employment, and civic services. This hub-and-spoke dynamic underscores how locations like Staunton National Cemetery function as critical nodes in the regional network of Virginia.

Geographic interpretation

The urban nature of the area around Staunton National Cemetery is reflected in the population data. Several communities in the catchment surpass 10,000 people, pointing to a well-developed urban or suburban area with established infrastructure. With Harrisonburg as the primary urban anchor and numerous smaller places in the vicinity, the region displays a concentrated demographic pattern. The median community size of 2,799 residents reveals that the majority of incorporated places in the area are substantially smaller relative to Harrisonburg. These geographic factors contribute to the significance of Staunton National Cemetery within the surrounding community network.