Number of Investigation Services Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
19,038
investigation services businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The investigation services industry has grown 22.6% since 2000 (from 15,525 to 19,038 firms).
- •The peak year was 2023 with 19,038 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is growing (+3.5%).
- •Employment: 1,011,277 workers in 2023 (43.3% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 63%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 19,038 | 24,658 | 1,011,277 | 10.7% | 8.9% | +4.5% |
| 2022 | 18,864 | 24,183 | 976,947 | 11.0% | 11.6% | +0.6% |
| 2021 | 18,467 | 24,304 | 966,785 | 11.2% | 10.2% | -3.0% |
| 2020 | 18,309 | 23,929 | 998,637 | 11.2% | 10.2% | -1.3% |
| 2019 | 18,389 | 23,672 | 1,010,477 | 13.0% | 11.2% | +2.4% |
| 2018 | 18,186 | 23,245 | 990,136 | 10.2% | 9.6% | +3.4% |
| 2017 | 17,992 | 23,072 | 954,734 | 9.8% | 12.9% | +1.8% |
| 2016 | 17,800 | 23,710 | 934,646 | 9.8% | 9.1% | +2.6% |
| 2015 | 17,617 | 23,512 | 909,803 | 9.9% | 9.5% | +2.1% |
| 2014 | 17,499 | 23,393 | 892,238 | 9.0% | 12.3% | +2.3% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.