Number of Small Businesses per Capita

Status

Austinites in Travis County owned 38,547 small businesses in 2020, defined as businesses with fewer than 250 employees. For every 100 people in Austin, there are about three small businesses. The Austin area has a very active entrepreneurial community compared nationally. There are two small businesses for every 100 people in the United States (.024).

Trending

Over the four year period of 2015 to 2020, the Austin area has slightly increased the number of small businesses per capita. The biggest growth in small business establishments came from these industries:
  • Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
  • Real Estate and Leasing
  • Healthcare
  • Construction 
  • Accommodations and Food Services
Between those five industries, a total increase of 3,484 new businesses established between 2015-2020.
Note: To see the underlying data for the chart, please select the "View Source Data" link.

Additional Measure Insights

Measure Details and Definition

1) Definition:  This measure shows the number of small businesses for every Austinite.
2) Calculation method: This is calculated by the number of establishments fitting the criteria of less than 250 employees by the total population of Austin.
3) Data Collection Process:  This data is collected annually, with a three year lag, by the U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns survey.
4) Measure Target Calculation:  At a minimum, the City of Austin desires to maintain the number of small businesses in the community.
5) Frequency Measure is Reported: Annually (Calendar Year)

Date page was last updated: September 2022