Louisiana Market Intelligence Report (2026)

Top Businesses to Start in Louisiana (2026)

We analyzed 130K+ verified business records to help you separate the hype from the hard numbers.

Top 5 Opportunities

#1
FASTEST GROWTH SECTOR

Retail Bakeries

Growth: +100.0% • Saturation: 0.56 LQ
#2
HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Wholesale Trade Agents and Brokers

Growth: +100.0% • Saturation: 0.45 LQ
#3
LOW COMPETITION GAP

Nail Salons

Growth: +100.0% • Saturation: 0.34 LQ
#4
HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

Growth: +90.9% • Saturation: 0.69 LQ
#5
LOW COMPETITION GAP

Other Accounting Services

Growth: +83.3% • Saturation: 0.72 LQ

Census Records

Official Source

Volume Filtered

10+ Est. Minimum

100% Objective

No Pay-to-Play

Validate Your Idea Locally

SELECT METRO AREA

New Orleans-Metairie

#1 VOL

The state's largest economic engine.

Population

989K

Active Biz

36K

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Fastest Growth

Baton Rouge

871K Residents

ANALYZE

Lafayette

Population

411K

ANALYZE

Shreveport-Bossier City

Population

389K

ANALYZE

Slidell-Mandeville-Covington

Population

269K

ANALYZE

Lake Charles

Population

246K

ANALYZE

Monroe

Population

225K

ANALYZE

Houma-Bayou Cane-Thibodaux

Population

204K

ANALYZE

Alexandria

Population

151K

ANALYZE

Hammond

Population

135K

ANALYZE

More States in the South

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Common Questions

What is the fastest growing business in Louisiana?+

Currently, the Retail Bakeries sector is leading the state with a +100.0% 5-year growth rate across multiple metro markets.

What does the data say about Louisiana's economy?+

The state is home to 130K active establishments across 10 major metro areas. The market shows strong growth in emerging sectors with opportunities in high-demand, low-saturation niches.