Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 74% of environment, conservation and wildlife organizations businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 5.9%.

74%
5-Year Survival Rate
+7.7%
Net Growth Rate
17,275
Total Firms
875
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations a Good Business to Start?

With a 74% five-year survival rate, environment, conservation and wildlife organizations 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 5.9% 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.

Entry Rate (new businesses)11.3%
Exit Rate (closures)5.9%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+5.4 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

17.1%
Job Creation Rate
9.4%
Job Destruction Rate
+7.7%
Net Job Growth

The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 222,441 workers across 17,275 firms.

Want to know how much environment, conservation and wildlife organizations businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of environment, conservation and wildlife organizations businesses fail?
Approximately 26% of environment, conservation and wildlife organizations businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 5.9%, with 875 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the environment, conservation and wildlife organizations industry growing or shrinking?
The environment, conservation and wildlife organizations industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +7.7% per year. New businesses are entering at 11.3% while 5.9% close annually.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.