Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 61% of fitness and recreational sports centers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 9.3%.

61%
5-Year Survival Rate
+7.8%
Net Growth Rate
59,619
Total Firms
5,419
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers a Good Business to Start?

With a 61% five-year survival rate, fitness and recreational sports centers 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 9.3% 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)11.9%
Exit Rate (closures)9.3%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+2.6 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

18.4%
Job Creation Rate
10.6%
Job Destruction Rate
+7.8%
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: 1,417,223 workers across 59,619 firms.

Want to know how much fitness and recreational sports centers businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of fitness and recreational sports centers businesses fail?
Approximately 39% of fitness and recreational sports centers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 9.3%, with 5,419 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the fitness and recreational sports centers industry growing or shrinking?
The fitness and recreational sports centers industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +7.8% per year. New businesses are entering at 11.9% while 9.3% close annually.

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