Understanding the 4 Pillars of Self-Storage Site Scoring

The Science Behind the Score

At AISST, we don't just throw numbers at you – we provide a comprehensive, scientifically-backed scoring system that evaluates every potential self-storage site across four critical dimensions. Understanding these pillars will help you make smarter investment decisions.

Pillar 1: Population Density (25% Weight)

Population is the foundation of demand. More people means more potential customers who need storage space for life transitions, downsizing, business inventory, or seasonal items.

What We Analyze:

• Total population within 1, 5, and 10-mile radii
• Population growth trends over the past 5 years
• Demographic composition (age, household size, homeownership rates)
• Distance-decay effects (closer populations weighted more heavily)

Scoring Methodology:

We aggregate population data from official census sources and apply distance-decay algorithms. A site with 600,000+ people within 5 miles scores 100/100, while sites with under 100,000 score proportionally lower.

Real Example:

A site in central London with 1.2 million people within 5 miles scores 100/100 for population. A rural site with 80,000 people scores 35/100. This doesn't mean the rural site is bad – it just means population isn't its strength.

Pillar 2: Income Levels (25% Weight)

Income directly correlates with storage utilization and pricing power. Wealthier areas can support premium pricing and typically have higher occupancy rates.

What We Analyze:

• Average household income within catchment area
• Income distribution (median vs. mean to identify inequality)
• Employment rates and economic stability
• Discretionary spending capacity

Scoring Methodology:

We average household income data across the catchment area. Sites in areas with £32,000+ average income score 100/100. Lower-income areas score proportionally, with £18,000 as the baseline (score: 0).

Real Example:

A site in affluent Surrey with £42,000 average income scores 100/100. A site in a lower-income area with £22,000 scores 45/100. Both can be profitable, but pricing strategies will differ.

Pillar 3: Competition Analysis (25% Weight)

This is the inverse metric – fewer competitors means a higher score. An underserved market is a golden opportunity.

What We Analyze:

• Number of existing self-storage facilities within catchment area
• Total square footage of competitor facilities
• Competitor pricing and occupancy rates (where available)
• Market saturation ratios (storage sq ft per capita)

Scoring Methodology:

We count competitors within the catchment area and apply an inverse scale. Zero competitors = 100/100. Each additional competitor reduces the score. At 40+ competitors, the score approaches zero.

Real Example:

A site in Rotherham with only 3 competitors scores 95/100 for competition. A site in overcrowded central Manchester with 35 competitors scores 15/100. Low competition is a massive advantage.

Pillar 4: Traffic Patterns (25% Weight)

Visibility and accessibility drive walk-in customers and brand awareness. High-traffic locations benefit from passive marketing.

What We Analyze:

• Daily vehicle counts on nearest major roads
• Proximity to motorway junctions and arterial routes
• Pedestrian footfall in urban areas
• Accessibility scores (ease of entry/exit)

Scoring Methodology:

We use Department for Transport traffic data to identify vehicle counts on the nearest road segment. Sites near roads with 100,000+ daily vehicles score 100/100. Lower-traffic locations score proportionally.

Real Example:

A site adjacent to the M25 with 180,000 daily vehicles scores 100/100 for traffic. A site on a quiet residential street with 5,000 daily vehicles scores 20/100. Traffic isn't everything, but it helps.

The Composite Score

We combine all four pillars into a single composite score (0-100). Sites scoring 80+ are exceptional. Sites scoring 60-80 are solid investments. Sites below 60 require careful analysis but may still work in specific contexts.

Multi-Radius Analysis

One of our unique features is multi-radius scoring. We calculate scores at 1-mile, 5-mile, and 10-mile radii to show how a site's strengths change with distance. Some sites excel locally but lack regional appeal. Others benefit from broader catchment areas.

Start Scoring Sites Today

Now that you understand the science behind our scoring system, it's time to put it to work. Search for sites in your target area and see how they stack up across all four pillars.