General Rental Centers — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 64% of general rental centers businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 8.6%.
Is General Rental Centers a Good Business to Start?
With a 64% five-year survival rate, general rental 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 8.6% 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 negative: more businesses closing than opening (-0.2 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: 19,812 workers across 1,845 firms.
Want to know how much general rental centers businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for General Rental Centers →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of general rental centers businesses fail?
- Approximately 36% of general rental centers businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 8.6%, with 176 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the general rental centers industry growing or shrinking?
- The general rental centers industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +2.1% per year. New businesses are entering at 8.4% while 8.6% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.