Child and Youth Services — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 66% of child and youth services businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 8.1%.
Is Child and Youth a Good Business to Start?
With a 66% five-year survival rate, child and youth services has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.
The annual exit rate of 8.1% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+4.8 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: 2,135,565 workers across 63,046 firms.
Want to know how much child and youth services businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Child and Youth Services →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of child and youth services businesses fail?
- Approximately 34% of child and youth services businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 8.1%, with 4,852 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the child and youth services industry growing or shrinking?
- The child and youth services industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +6.8% per year. New businesses are entering at 12.9% while 8.1% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.