Number of Animal (except Poultry) Slaughtering Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
2,857
animal (except poultry) slaughtering businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The animal (except poultry) slaughtering industry has declined 10.8% since 2000 (from 3,202 to 2,857 firms).
- •The peak year was 2000 with 3,202 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+6.9%).
- •Employment: 554,492 workers in 2023 (13.2% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 76%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2,857 | 3,599 | 554,492 | 8.0% | 5.3% | +3.6% |
| 2022 | 2,812 | 3,508 | 535,851 | 8.4% | 6.0% | -1.5% |
| 2021 | 2,700 | 3,379 | 545,471 | 8.7% | 4.9% | +0.1% |
| 2020 | 2,584 | 3,244 | 542,704 | 4.7% | 6.8% | +2.3% |
| 2019 | 2,672 | 3,327 | 530,403 | 5.3% | 5.2% | +1.4% |
| 2018 | 2,670 | 3,311 | 522,597 | 4.6% | 5.2% | +2.7% |
| 2017 | 2,699 | 3,330 | 509,364 | 5.0% | 5.8% | +2.8% |
| 2016 | 2,751 | 3,362 | 494,429 | 4.9% | 5.2% | +2.0% |
| 2015 | 2,770 | 3,379 | 484,678 | 5.3% | 5.6% | +3.3% |
| 2014 | 2,800 | 3,392 | 467,373 | 4.4% | 5.5% | -2.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.