Marshfield, Wisconsin

Overview

As a critical healthcare facility in Marshfield, Wisconsin, Marshfield Children's Hospital occupies a central position within the regional infrastructure. This hospital 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 Marshfield Children's Hospital includes 13 incorporated communities with a combined population of roughly 28,554. Marshfield anchors this population base at 18,929 residents, comprising approximately 66% of the total. Colby and Spencer, with populations of 1,952 and 1,818 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 12 communities out of 13 near Marshfield Children's Hospital have fewer than 5,000 residents. These smaller incorporated places look to Marshfield and its surrounding infrastructure for commerce, employment, and civic services. This hub-and-spoke dynamic underscores how locations like Marshfield Children's Hospital function as critical nodes in the regional network of Wisconsin.

Geographic interpretation

The suburban nature of the area around Marshfield Children's Hospital is reflected in the population data. The area features a suburban pattern where several communities of moderate size coexist with smaller towns, creating a varied demographic landscape. With Marshfield as the primary urban anchor and numerous smaller places in the vicinity, the region displays a moderately concentrated demographic pattern. The median community size of 702 residents reveals that the majority of incorporated places in the area are substantially smaller relative to Marshfield. These geographic factors contribute to the significance of Marshfield Children's Hospital within the surrounding community network.