Rutland, Vermont

Overview

Located in the Vermont community of Rutland, Walmart is a major retail destination that serves a significant population base. The communities reachable within a 30-minute drive demonstrate the geographic and demographic scope of this location's influence. By examining these nearby incorporated places, we can better understand the role Walmart plays in the region.

Population catchment

The 30-minute driving radius around Walmart encompasses a combined population of approximately 30,034 residents across 16 incorporated communities. Rutland leads as the most populous nearby community with 15,807 residents, representing roughly 53% of the total catchment population. Rounding out the top three are Fair Haven with 2,225 residents and West Rutland with 1,898, providing further evidence of the population concentration near Walmart. Together, the top three communities account for a substantial share of the overall population base, underscoring the concentrated nature of the area's demographics.

Regional dependence

The relationship between the smaller towns and the larger communities near Walmart reflects a pattern of regional dependence typical in Vermont. Of the 16 nearby communities, 15 have populations below 5,000, indicating that these residents likely rely on Rutland and similar centers for goods and services. This dynamic reinforces the importance of Walmart as a regional destination.

Geographic interpretation

From a geographic perspective, the area surrounding Walmart can be characterized as suburban. The region blends suburban and semi-rural characteristics, with 1 communities above 10,000 residents alongside a collection of smaller incorporated places. The presence of Rutland as the dominant population center creates a moderately concentrated pattern, with progressively smaller communities extending outward. The median community population in this catchment is 839, indicating that most communities are substantially smaller than the dominant center. Understanding this settlement structure helps contextualize the role of Walmart within the broader regional framework.