Monroe, Wisconsin

Overview

Located in the Wisconsin community of Monroe, Hughes Airport is a regional transportation hub 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 Hughes Airport plays in the region.

Population catchment

The 30-minute driving radius around Hughes Airport encompasses a combined population of approximately 17,104 residents across 11 incorporated communities. Monroe leads as the most populous nearby community with 10,661 residents, representing roughly 62% of the total catchment population. Rounding out the top three are New Glarus with 2,266 residents and Monticello with 1,192, providing further evidence of the population concentration near Hughes Airport. 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 Hughes Airport reflects a pattern of regional dependence typical in Wisconsin. Of the 11 nearby communities, 10 have populations below 5,000, indicating that these residents likely rely on Monroe and similar centers for goods and services. This dynamic reinforces the importance of Hughes Airport as a regional destination.

Geographic interpretation

From a geographic perspective, the area surrounding Hughes Airport 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 Monroe as the dominant population center creates a moderately concentrated pattern, with progressively smaller communities extending outward. The median community population in this catchment is 444, indicating that most communities are substantially smaller than the dominant center. Understanding this settlement structure helps contextualize the role of Hughes Airport within the broader regional framework.