Number of Natural Gas Extraction Businesses in the US (2000–2023)
As of 2023
3,695
natural gas extraction businesses in the United States
Number of Firms Over Time
Total Employment Over Time
Key Insights
- •The natural gas extraction industry has declined 34.3% since 2000 (from 5,620 to 3,695 firms).
- •The peak year was 2012 with 5,880 firms.
- •Recent trend (last 5 years): the industry is shrinking (-15.3%).
- •Employment: 90,995 workers in 2023 (14.5% change since 2000).
- •Estimated 5-year survival rate: 64%.
Year-by-Year Data
| Year | Firms | Establishments | Employment | Entry Rate | Exit Rate | Net Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,695 | 4,717 | 90,995 | 8.9% | 8.7% | +4.8% |
| 2022 | 3,688 | 4,730 | 84,668 | 7.7% | 11.0% | -3.0% |
| 2021 | 3,796 | 4,898 | 87,192 | 5.8% | 13.1% | -14.0% |
| 2020 | 4,158 | 5,342 | 100,803 | 6.6% | 11.7% | -6.4% |
| 2019 | 4,362 | 5,621 | 107,837 | 7.5% | 8.9% | +1.0% |
| 2018 | 4,440 | 5,730 | 109,105 | 6.4% | 9.4% | -2.6% |
| 2017 | 4,594 | 5,875 | 110,025 | 6.3% | 15.1% | -4.6% |
| 2016 | 5,102 | 6,632 | 118,764 | 7.1% | 13.0% | -11.3% |
| 2015 | 5,675 | 7,144 | 133,646 | 7.6% | 10.6% | -0.3% |
| 2014 | 5,824 | 7,375 | 135,244 | 9.2% | 8.3% | +4.0% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (BDS). Entry/exit rates refer to establishment openings and closings.