Number of Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
23,276
independent artists, writers, and performers businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The independent artists, writers, and performers industry has grown 157.9% since 2000 (from 9,025 to 23,276 firms).
- •The peak year was 2023 with 23,276 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+25.6%).
- •Employment: 66,236 workers in 2023 (66.0% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 40%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 23,276 | 23,328 | 66,236 | 21.9% | 16.7% | +6.6% |
| 2022 | 22,136 | 22,178 | 61,748 | 27.6% | 17.9% | +19.5% |
| 2021 | 20,137 | 20,180 | 51,242 | 25.3% | 22.7% | -10.2% |
| 2020 | 19,557 | 19,605 | 56,618 | 22.4% | 17.1% | -0.3% |
| 2019 | 18,535 | 18,580 | 56,955 | 20.8% | 16.1% | +6.3% |
| 2018 | 17,718 | 17,763 | 52,767 | 20.2% | 16.0% | +4.6% |
| 2017 | 16,978 | 17,022 | 49,850 | 21.2% | 15.0% | +7.3% |
| 2016 | 15,814 | 15,858 | 46,694 | 20.1% | 15.6% | -0.3% |
| 2015 | 15,149 | 15,185 | 46,741 | 19.2% | 15.8% | +3.7% |
| 2014 | 14,649 | 14,690 | 45,860 | 19.3% | 15.7% | +8.4% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.