1. Start with Loughman’s actual service area
The 2020–2024 ACS five-year population estimate is 7,591, with a margin of error of 1,739. A dashboard should therefore keep Loughman separate from any wider service area the firm elects to measure. It should not treat Polk County, another city or a metropolitan area as interchangeable with Loughman.
Recommended approach
At review, define the geographic cohorts you actually want to compare. If the firm serves locations beyond Loughman, decide whether those locations belong in separate cohorts rather than one combined total. Preserve the distinction between Loughman, Polk County, Florida and any neighboring location used in the firm’s own marketing records.
