I am trained in analyzing data and in utilizing advanced mapping techniques to help you place your child care center with confidence based upon reliable information.

Consider this example. An investor was interested in a location in the growing River Bend area of Houston, Texas. Some data provided by a prospective builder indicated that there was an acceptable number of children living in zip code 77469 to make a day care center viable. Initial investigation illustrated that an acceptable number of children were present, but several concerning points were also revealed.

First, the data provided by the builder were given by zip code. Census data is never collected by zip code. It is collected in census blocks which are compiled into census tracts. All zip code based data has undergone some type of conversion to estimate numbers within the zip code based on the numbers of full and partial tracts and blocks within the zip code. While much zip code based census data is reliable, it is rarely the most accurate data available.

Second, not only were estimates provided rather than the actual data, zip code 77469 was revealed to be an exceptionally large rural zip code that contained at least three small cities within its borders. See the map below.

The builder was recommending property located in the city of Richmond. This was ideally located just off of highway 90 and was compatible with the needs of the prospective business. Unfortunately, because the data were provided by zip code, there was no way to be certain that the concentration of children the investor was counting on were actually located within the city of Richmond.

Investigation utilizing census tracts proved the zip code level data to be unreliable. Zip code 77469 was found to contain at least five census tracts. Analysis of the tracts revealed that the concentration of children was not in Richmond, but in adjacent Pecan Grove. See the map below.

Deciding not to accept the property in Richmond, this investor became interested in potential locations in Pecan Grove. Further investigation revealed the shape of the community within the tract, the major traffic routes used to enter and exit the community, and the location of major competitors (shown as boxes). Census block data (not shown) illustrated four different blocks within the tract. One census block showed a significantly higher median household income than the other blocks.

This research was completed in less than a week with a total cost of less than $3,000. While inexpensive, it prevented the drastic misplacement of a $350,000 project.

Every Year The Majority Of New Businesses Will Fail! Many Will Fail Because Of Poor Or Nonexistent Market Analysis.

This Does Not Have To Happen To You.

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