How Many Stores in New York City? ~197,000 Active Businesses
Precise counts are elusive—businesses open/close daily—but the best estimate comes from NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) and US Census County Business Patterns:
- Active business establishments (2023): ~197,000
- Retail trade (NAICS 44-45): ~75,000
- Food services / drinking places: ~27,000
- Other services (personal, repair, laundry): ~18,000
- Wholesale: ~12,000
Breakdown by Borough (Est.)
| Borough | Est. Establishments | Retail Share |
|---|
| Manhattan | 65,000 | High-end, tourism, HQs |
| Brooklyn | 50,000 | Neighborhood retail, food, creative |
| Queens | 45,000 | Diverse ethnic commerce, logistics |
| The Bronx | 20,000 | Local services, auto, food |
| Staten Island | 12,000 | Suburban retail, construction |
Caveats
- "Store" ≠ establishment (includes offices, warehouses, home-based).
- Informal economy (street vendors, unregistered) not counted – estimated 10–20% additional.
- Post-COVID churn: 2020–21 closures offset by 2022–23 openings.
- Data lag: Census CBP ~2-year lag; DCWP license data more current but incomplete.
Iconic NYC Retail Metrics
- 5th Ave rent: $2,000+/sq ft/yr (world's highest).
- Bodegas: ~13,000 (corner stores, cultural institution).
- Greenmarkets: 50+ farmers' markets.
- Vacancy rate: ~15% (mid-2024) – high due to remote work, retail shift.
For specific counts: query NYC Open Data (DCA licenses, PLUTO tax lots) or Census CBP.
Wanderlust World