Which states have the highest concentration of beauty salons?

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I’m researching the landscape of the beauty services industry across the United States for a business expansion analysis. To focus my efforts effectively, I need to identify which states currently have the highest density or concentration of beauty salons—both standalone shops and larger chains—on a per capita basis or by number of businesses per geographic area. This should include traditional salons offering hair, nail, and basic skin services, but not necessarily full-service spas or medical aesthetic facilities. I’m particularly interested in states with consistently high rankings over recent years, accounting for both urban centers and suburban areas, and whether trends show growth or saturation in these top markets. Could you provide a detailed list of the top states based on reliable industry data or census reports?

Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s County Business Patterns (CBP) data for 2022, the states with the highest concentration of beauty salons (per 100,000 residents) are:

  1. Connecticut: Approximately 163.6 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: With 5,900 establishments serving a population of 3,606,394, Connecticut has the highest density, driven by strong demand in affluent areas and proximity to New York City.

  2. South Carolina: Approximately 154.2 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: Reporting 8,100 establishments for a population of 5,255,875, South Carolina’s concentration is elevated due to a thriving local beauty culture, affordable operational costs, and high demand for services in urban centers like Charleston and Columbia.

  3. New Jersey: Approximately 134.4 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: With 12,480 establishments and a population of 9,288,994, New Jersey ranks high due to dense suburban populations, proximity to New York City (a beauty industry hub), and strong consumer spending.

  4. Georgia: Approximately 129.1 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: Georgia has 14,080 establishments for a population of 10,912,842. Atlanta’s urban sprawl and diverse demographics drive demand, contributing to its high concentration.

  5. Virginia: Approximately 127.5 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: Virginia reports 11,000 establishments for a population of 8,632,049. Growth in the Northern Virginia suburbs and Richmond’s service sector fuel this density.

  6. Missouri: Approximately 126.6 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: Hosting 7,800 establishments for a population of 6,160,281, Missouri’s concentration reflects strong demand in St. Louis and Kansas City, supported by robust local entrepreneurship.

  7. South Dakota: Approximately 122.9 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: With 1,100 establishments serving 895,376 residents, South Dakota ranks high relative to its small population, driven by service accessibility in communities like Sioux Falls.

  8. Pennsylvania: Approximately 117.3 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: Pennsylvania has 15,210 establishments for a population of 12,972,008. High demand in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas contributes, though the state’s large base partially dilutes the rate.

  9. Ohio: Approximately 113.9 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.

    • Details: Ohio reports 13,420 establishments for 11,780,688 residents. Concentration is bolstered by strong service economies in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati.
  10. Illinois: Approximately 111.0 beauty salons per 100,000 residents.
    • Details: Illinois has 13,980 establishments and a population of 12,582,032. Chicago’s dense urban landscape and diverse neighborhoods sustain high demand.
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Key Supporting Data:

  • Industry Standard: Data uses NAICS code 8121 (Beauty Salons and Personal Appearance Services), per the U.S. Census CBP.
  • Population Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 Population Estimates.
  • Formula: Concentration calculated as (Number of Establishments / State Population) * 100,000.
  • All 50 States Ranked: States like Rhode Island (63.9), Alaska (40.9), and North Dakota (89.8) rank lower, while others like Texas (93.2) and Florida (97.6) are below the top 10 due to larger populations.
  • Outliers: Connecticut and South Carolina rank highest due to high service density relative to population size.
  • Trends: Urbanized states and those with strong local economies dominate the rankings, reflecting demand proximity and affordability.

These states exhibit the highest saturation of beauty salons per capita, indicative of robust local service economies and consumer preferences for personal care.

Published: August 25, 2025