The Ten Essential Demographic Factors
Research by the ACA, Business Information Systems (BIT) and Locus and other demographic services have determined that there are ten demographic factors that are of the greatest importance when choosing a high-potential practice site.
- Ideal chiropractic population per doctor of chiropractic ratio - Data is primarily sorted by the factor. 2,500 to 1 or better is the target ratio.
- Median household income - The median income indicates the midpoint income on a bell graph. $40K-$50K or more is the target income.
- Ideal chiropractic population is that population between 25-54 years old, which surveys show to be the population which uses chiropractic most frequently.
- Ideal chiropractic density per square mile:
(this data available per counties only)
- Rural or small town: 1-50 persons
- Suburban: 50-750 persons
- City or urban: 750+ persons
- Total number of chiropractors - The total number of doctors of chiropractic is more important than population. When making your final decision, be sure to include yourself when determining the DC/population ratio.
- Total population - All persons, not only the ideal chiropractic population. Note that the difference between the total population and the ideal population give you an indication of the number of children and elderly, which are not as likely to be your patients.
- 5 Year Growth - A look at the general population trend
- Percentage of females - Over 55% is desirable
- Percentage of household ownership - People who own there own homes constitute a more stable element in any given community and are economically reliable.
- % Minority - For those desiring to serve a minority population
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