WHY A RADIUS IS ALWAYS WRONG

When deciding the most appropriate methodology for defining the trade area for your retail location, shopping center, or downtown, consider the following example of error associated with a ring or radius trade area definition.

A case study follows to illustrate the kind of error that can be associated with a radius trade area definition.

The following table displays the demographic attributes of 3, 5, and 7 mile radii of an arbitrary site:

3 Mile Radius 5 Mile Radius 7 Mile Radius
Base Year Population 62,278 168,503 312,390
Current Year Population 63,566 173,354 328,665
Base to Current Year Population Growth 2.10% 2.90% 5.20%
Current Year Median Household Income $53,024 $59,688 $66,981
Current Year % White Collar 68.30% 69.10% 73.30%
Current Year % White 55.90% 71.90% 80.40%

Looking at the table above, one might consider the radii trade area to be a slightly better than average trade area with pretty homogenous characteristics. Population is above average, population growth is also above average, income looks good, there are a high number of white collar jobs. The trade area also appears to be racially diverse, especially close to the site.

The map below displays the 3, 5, and 7 mile radii. The radii have been bisected to analyze the demographics of the north and south side of the radii.

The demographics of the north semi-circles, south semi-circles, and radii are displayed below:

3 Mile Radius

3 Mile Radius 3 Mile North 3 Mile South
Base Year Population 62,278 43,752 18,575
Current Year Population 63,566 44,232 19,386
Base to Current Year Population Growth 2.10% 1.10% 4.40%
Current Year Median Household Income $53,024 $35,018 $160,102
Current Year % White Collar 68.30% 56.70% 90.70%
Current Year % White 55.90% 43.20% 85.10%

5 Mile Radius

5 Mile Radius 5 Mile North 5 Mile South
Base Year Population 168,503 104,147 64,356
Current Year Population 173,354 107,064 66,290
Base to Current Year Population Growth 2.90% 2.80% 3.00%
Current Year Median Household Income $59,688 $38,165 $145,024
Current Year % White Collar 69.10% 53.80% 90.30%
Current Year % White 71.90% 61.20% 89.20%

7 Mile Radius

7 Mile Radius 7 Mile North 7 Mile South
Base Year Population 312,390 162,966 149,521
Current Year Population 328,665 172,907 155,869
Base to Current Year Population Growth 5.20% 6.10% 4.20%
Current Year Median Household Income $66,981 $45,199 $103,662
Current Year % White Collar 73.30% 58.20% 87.90%
Current Year % White 80.40% 72.10% 89.70%

The north and south semi-circles are vastly different. Population seems to be higher in the north. Population growth close to the site is higher in the south and comparable farther away. Median household income is much higher in the south. White collar jobs are more prevalent close to the site. Racially, the north semi-circle is more diverse.

The following map displays the median household income of the the underlying block groups. The income variable is displayed in a cool to warm theme. Cool (blue colors) indicate low income and hot (red colors) indicate high income. Notice the large difference between the north and south semi-circles.

The following map displays the percentage of white population of the the underlying block groups. The race variable is displayed in a red to dark green theme. Notice the large difference between the north and south semi-circles.

Lastly, the following map displays the population change of the the underlying block groups. Population change is displayed in a dot density theme with blue indicating an increase in population and red indicating a decrease in population. Notice the variation within the radii.

The objective of the above example was to show how population and demographic statistics at the radius level can be very misleading. A more accurate trade area definition reflecting population density, demographic variations, access and shopping patterns, and physical and psychological barriers can lead to a more precise understanding of the market your business is operating in.

 

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The Strategic Edge, Inc.
1899 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 105
Sylvan Lake, MI 48320
Phone: 248-322-5555
Fax: 248-322-5564
Email: TSE@thestrategicedge.com