1. Set the geographic boundary before reviewing ROI
The 2020–2024 ACS five-year population estimate is 57,737, with a margin of error of 71. The useful dashboard question is therefore not “How large is Lacey?” It is “Which geography should this firm use when it evaluates performance?” A Lacey view may be appropriate for city-specific targets. A Thurston County view may be appropriate if the firm serves the county, but that decision belongs to the firm. Do not combine city, county, metropolitan-area, Washington-wide and household data as though they describe the same audience.
Recommended approach
Write the approved geographic definition into the measurement plan before interpreting rankings, calls or leads. Keep Lacey and Thurston County as separate labels where both matter.
