Amusement and Theme Parks — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 57% of amusement and theme parks businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 10.7%.
Is Amusement and Theme Parks a Good Business to Start?
With a 57% five-year survival rate, amusement and theme parks is near the national average (~50%). This means roughly half of new entrants will still be operating after 5 years — typical business risk that rewards solid planning and execution.
The annual exit rate of 10.7% indicates moderate turnover. Success depends on differentiation, location, and operational efficiency rather than inherent industry advantages.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+4.7 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 199,707 workers across 3,018 firms.
Want to know how much amusement and theme parks businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Amusement and Theme Parks →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of amusement and theme parks businesses fail?
- Approximately 43% of amusement and theme parks businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 10.7%, with 336 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the amusement and theme parks industry growing or shrinking?
- The amusement and theme parks industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of +0.2% per year. New businesses are entering at 15.4% while 10.7% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.