l racquet games.
12. Skiing equipment snow and water, and accessories and clothing for both snow and water skiing.
13. Supplies, equipment, accessories, and clothing for all types of ball games.
14. Supplies, equipment, accessories, and clothing for all miscellaneous athletic and sporting activities not included in the preceding product groups.
The proposed retail sporting goods store will serve Mingo County, West Virginia. Census Bureau estimates of the county population at the end of 1992 was 33,500 persons. This population level represents a gain of approximately 200 persons from the 1990 census level. The median age of the Mingo County population is 31.4 years. The county has approximately 11,800 households. The distribution of the Mingo County population by age group is as follows:
1. Seventeen years and younger: 19.0 percent.
2. Eighteen to 24 years: 9.5 percent.
3. Twenty five to 34 years: 15.1 percent.
4. Thirty five to 49 years: 21.5 percent.
5. Fifty years and older: 23.1 percent.
The small population of Mingo County, together with an age distribution weighted toward older persons, weakens the market potential for a retail sporting goods business. Additionally, the market potential is weakened by low income levels. The median household income in Mingo County is $18,991. This income level compares to a median household income of $23,789 for the State of West Virginia. Income distribution by households in Mingo County is as follows:
1. Less than $10,000 per year: 28.7 percent.
2. $10,000 to $19,999 per year: 23.5 percent.
3. $20,000 to $34,999 per year: 21.4 percent.
4. $35,000 to $49,999 per year: 13.1 percent.
5. $50,000 or more per year: 13.3 percent.
As the preceding income data indicate, few households in Mingo County have an discretionary income. More than one quarter of the population is living at or below subsistence levels, while slightly more than ...