Other Support Activities for Water Transportation — Business Survival Rate

An estimated 72% of other support activities for water transportation businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 6.4%.

72%
5-Year Survival Rate
-0.6%
Net Growth Rate
1,814
Total Firms
120
Annual Firm Deaths

Is Other Support Activities for Water Transportation a Good Business to Start?

With a 72% five-year survival rate, other support activities for water transportation 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 6.4% 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)7.9%
Exit Rate (closures)6.4%

Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+1.5 pp spread).

Job Creation & Destruction

12.8%
Job Creation Rate
13.4%
Job Destruction Rate
-0.6%
Net Job Growth

The industry is losing jobs faster than creating them — which may indicate automation, consolidation, or declining demand. Total employment: 101,956 workers across 1,814 firms.

Want to know how much other support activities for water transportation businesses actually make?

See full revenue benchmarks for Other Support Activities for Water Transportation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of other support activities for water transportation businesses fail?
Approximately 28% of other support activities for water transportation businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 6.4%, with 120 firms closing permanently in 2023.
Is the other support activities for water transportation industry growing or shrinking?
The other support activities for water transportation industry is currently stable with a net job creation rate of -0.6% per year. New businesses are entering at 7.9% while 6.4% close annually.

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