1. Start with the correct geographic boundary
The U.S. Census Bureau records Palos Heights as a city in Illinois and places it in Cook County. Its 2020–2024 ACS five-year population estimate is 12,152, with a margin of error of 29. That is a measured description of the municipality, not evidence that residents are searching for a particular legal service. It also does not establish the size of the firm’s practical service area. A firm may serve Palos Heights, other Cook County communities, or a wider Illinois footprint; those are separate choices.
Recommended approach
Treat Palos Heights as one city-level location and Cook County as a possible county-level boundary. In a consultation, review the cities and counties the firm actually serves, the legal services it wants to promote, and whether statewide coverage is appropriate. Do not use the population figure to select services or forecast inquiries.
