How do you discover if there is a need for a business in your area?

I have an idea for a business, but really have no idea if anyone in my area would use it. I might pull a few people from the local college, so that’s one place that I could start a trial run. However, for the community at large, how can I research whether there is a desire or need for the service?

I did try to find a corresponding question in the search feature. If anyone finds something, please direct me there!