Wilmington
NC

Comprehensive business data, market statistics, and demographic insights for Wilmington, NC. Census-backed market intelligence updated annually.

POPULATION440,578
MEDIAN INCOME$73.7K
BUSINESSES13,052
TRENDING SECTOR 🔥Tobacco Stores
+4.5%5-Year Growth
MARKET INTELLIGENCE

Market Signal Report

Curated Intelligence. We analyzed 425 local industries to isolate distinct economic patterns—from rapid acceleration to uncrowded markets.

Methodical Selection

These are not random picks. We filtered the census database to identify the strongest statistical match for distinct economic strategies.

  • > High Momentum (Biz Count Growth)
  • > Supply Gaps (Low Competition)
  • > Market Anchors (High Volume)
View Full Methodology
🚀
The Rocket Ship

Tobacco Stores

While the average sector grew flat, Tobacco Stores surged 4.5% from 2018 vs 2023. This is the fastest-moving opportunity in the market.

Businesses55
Growth Rate+4.5%
💎
The Hidden Gem

Nail Salons

Growing demand (2018 vs 2023) with surprisingly low competition level. A classic supply-gap opportunity with strong margins.

Businesses24
Growth Rate+3.0%
💼
The Premium Sector

Investment Banking and Securities Dealing

Professional industry driven by high-value human capital. High barrier to entry due to specialized workforce requirements.

Businesses4
Avg Salary$247.3K
🏰
The Stronghold

Nuclear Electric Power Generation

Dominated by a few key players. High consolidation often indicates mature market dynamics.

Businesses3
CompetitionHighly Competitive18.2x above US avg
The Steady Giant

Full-Service Restaurants

Zero volatility. Growth matches population exactly. A proven, volume-based sector for long-term consistency.

Businesses521
VolumeHighest

View All Niches

See full table (425 Rows)

💡

Wilmington Market Intelligence

425 Industries Analyzed • 2018 vs 2023 Data

Wilmington presents 425 market niches across diverse sectors. Competition level is balanced with niches across all tiers. Consider: Nail Salons, Tobacco Stores.

How to Read the Data
Competition Level
Business density per capita vs US average. ● Underserved = Less competition. ● Highly Competitive = More businesses per capita than average.
Growth Rate
5-year percentage change in number of businesses (2018 vs 2023). ● Growing = Positive growth. ● Stable = Modest change. ● Declining = Negative growth.
Businesses
Active employer establishments (businesses with at least one employee) in this niche within the metro. Source: US Census Bureau.
MOMENTUM
DENSITY
25 of 425 niches• Sorted: Businesses
Niche (NAICS) Competition Growth Rate Businesses Avg Team Avg Salary
Full-Service Restaurants#722511
1.25
+45.5%52123.7$25.6K
Offices of Real Estate Agents and Brokers#531210
1.91
+92.9%5192.1$50.5K
Limited-Service Restaurants#722513
0.92
+54.8%40719.5$19.1K
New Single-Family Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders)#236115
3.23
+120.3%3043.8$65.4K
Religious Organizations#813110
0.97
+43.8%2766.8$25.4K
Offices of Lawyers#541110
0.98
+20.7%2684.7$68.6K
Landscaping Services#561730
1.34
+82.3%2577.5$45.4K
Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)#621111
0.72
+7.9%24518.7$110.7K
Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors#238220
1.30
+64.5%23210.9$56.9K
Residential Remodelers#236118
1.00
+93.0%2203.8$55.9K
Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors#238210
1.58
+93.6%2115.8$51.7K
Offices of Dentists#621210
0.84
+43.5%1889.8$66.3K
Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services#541611
1.06
+75.2%1844.5$63.9K
Insurance Agencies and Brokerages#524210
0.85
+42.9%1807.1$60.6K
Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars#722515
1.26
+70.9%17611.2$17.8K
Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores#447110
1.00
+67.8%1468.1$28.1K
Residential Property Managers#531311
1.39
+78.2%1398.3$49.0K
Janitorial Services#561720
1.16
+63.3%1298.2$29.1K
Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings#531110
1.02
+140.4%1255.2$50.5K
Beauty Salons#812112
0.89
+44.2%1244.3$32.8K
General Automotive Repair#811111
0.90
+15.2%1214.9$50.5K
Commercial Banking#522110
0.91
+30.7%11518.8$112.0K
Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists#621340
1.26
+46.6%1076.3$47.8K
Engineering Services#541330
0.97
+19.0%1009.2$81.1K
All Other General Merchandise Stores#452319
1.35
+98.0%997.9$20.7K
Viewing 25 of 425 niches

Understanding Your Data

How to read the numbers and what to do next.

We pull directly from official U.S. Census Bureau records (specifically County Business Patterns & Nonemployer Statistics). We don't use estimates or opinions—we simply clean and organize the government's raw data so you can actually use it.

VERIFIED
MARKET
DATA

We built this platform to provide the foundational data you need to navigate your market's landscape and competitive dynamics.

Straight from the Source

We pull raw numbers directly from the U.S. Census Bureau. You're looking at the same data used by banks and city planners, simplified for clarity.

Data-First Methodology

We focus exclusively on the numbers. Our rankings are driven by objective metrics like growth and density, ensuring you see the market exactly as the data reports it.

Transparent Logic

No secret formulas. We show you the raw metrics—Growth, Density, and Volume—so you can verify the math yourself.