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27 Insightful Statistics You Need to Know About LLC Size, Operations, Profitability, & Growth



By: Jack Nicholaisen author image
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Are you considering forming a limited liability company (LLC)?

As a potential business owner, understanding the statistics behind LLCs can help you make an informed decision.

article summaryKey Takeaways

  • The most common number of members in an LLC is two, followed closely by one member.
  • The majority of LLCs are classified as small businesses, with less than 500 employees.
  • When it comes to scaling operations and increasing size, LLCs often focus on diversifying their products or services and expanding their customer base.
  • The cost of forming an LLC can vary depending on the state and additional fees, but it typically ranges from $50 to $500.
  • About 70% of all LLCs have only one owner, while about 20% have two owners.

In this article, we’ve compiled 27 statistics related to the size of LLCs that can provide valuable insights into their prevalence and success rates.

By reading this article, you’ll learn about the most common industries for LLCs, how much it costs to form an LLC, and what percentage of LLCs fail within the first year.

Keep reading to gain a better understanding of what it takes to start and run a successful LLC.

What is the most common number of owners or members in LLCs?

number of owners in an llc
  • The majority of LLCs (64%) have only one member, according to the IRS. Source

The fact that such a large majority of LLCs have only one owner or member suggests that LLCs are often preferred by entrepreneurs and small business owners who prefer to have complete control over their company’s operations.

  • About 23% of LLCs have two members. Source

  • Only 13% of LLCs have three or more members. Source

The low percentage of LLCs with three or more members suggests that LLCs are not commonly used as a way for groups of individuals to start a business together, but rather as a way for individuals to own and operate a business on their own.

What are the Most Common Sizes of LLCs?

revenue and employees

These statistics can be useful if you are an entrepreneur or small business owners who is considering forming an LLC.

They provide insight into what to expect in terms of revenue and staffing levels.

How much money do LLCs make?

  • 40% of LLCs have less than $50,000 in annual revenue. Source

The data shows that a significant portion of LLCs generate less than $50,000 in annual revenue, suggesting that many LLCs are small businesses or startups.

  • The average revenue for an LLC is $569,512 per year. (source: Guidant Financial)

  • Only 4% of LLCs have more than $1 million in annual revenue. Source

The low percentage of LLCs with more than $1 million in annual revenue highlights the fact that while there are certainly successful LLCs out there, most LLCs are likely to be smaller businesses with more modest revenue streams.

How many employees do LLCs have?

  • 85% of LLCs have no employees other than the owner. Source

Being that 85% of LLCs have no employees other than the owner suggests that many LLCs are likely to be solo ventures.

  • The median number of employees for LLCs is 1. Source

  • The average number of employees at an LLC is 4. (source: Guidant Financial)

The fact that the median number of employees for LLCs is only one indicates that many LLCs are likely to be solo ventures.

However, it’s worth noting that the average number of employees for LLCs is four, which suggests that while many LLCs may start out as solo ventures, they may eventually expand and hire additional staff.

  • Only 12% of LLCs have more than one employee. Source

What Percentage of LLCs are Small Businesses?

llc small business

These statistics can be useful for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are considering forming an LLC, as they provide context on how this type of business entity fits into the broader landscape of small businesses.

  • 96% of LLCs are considered small businesses, with less than 500 employees. Source

The fact that 96% of LLCs are considered small businesses highlights the popularity of this type of business entity among entrepreneurs and small business owners.

  • 55% of small businesses are home-based, which many LLCs are. Source

It’s worth noting that many home-based businesses are also LLCs, with 55% of small businesses being home-based according to the data we found.

This suggests that LLCs may be particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs who want to start a business from home, as they offer liability protection and flexibility without requiring a physical storefront or office space.

What are the most effective strategies used by LLCs to scale their operations and increase their size?

brainstorming and strategizing

The following statistics provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are looking to grow their LLCs, as they offer evidence-based strategies for success.

  • LLCs that have a clear business plan are more likely to succeed and grow. Source

The data shows that having a clear business plan is crucial for success and growth, as it provides a roadmap for achieving goals and making decisions.

  • LLCs that invest in marketing and advertising have a higher chance of increasing revenue. Source

Investing in marketing and advertising is also important, as it can help LLCs reach a wider audience and increase revenue.

  • LLCs that leverage technology to streamline operations can grow faster than those that don’t. Source

Leveraging technology is another effective strategy, as it can streamline operations and help LLCs work more efficiently.

  • LLCs that expand their product or service offerings can increase their customer base and revenue. Source

Finally, expanding product or service offerings is a proven way to increase customer base and revenue.

The Impact of LLC Size on Business Operations, Profitability, and Growth

growing llcs

These statistics provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are considering forming an LLC or looking to grow their existing LLC.

By understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different sizes of LLCs, businesses can make informed decisions that align with their goals and priorities.

  • Smaller LLCs are often more agile and able to respond quickly to changes in the market. Source

The data shows that smaller LLCs may be more agile and profitable in the short term, but may have difficulty securing financing and face lower economies of scale.

  • Larger LLCs often have more resources and can invest more heavily in research and development. Source

  • LLCs with more employees may have more complex HR and management needs. Source

  • Smaller LLCs may have lower overhead costs and be more profitable in the short term. Source

  • Larger LLCs may have more opportunities for economies of scale and long-term growth. Source

Larger LLCs may have more resources and opportunities for long-term growth, but may face greater complexity in HR and management needs, as well as potential liability issues.

  • The size of an LLC can impact its ability to secure financing. Smaller LLCs may have more difficulty securing funding from traditional lenders. Source

  • Larger LLCs may be more attractive to investors and have more opportunities for venture capital funding. Source

  • The size of an LLC can impact its tax obligations and filing requirements. Source

  • The size of an LLC can impact its liability protection. Larger LLCs may face greater potential liability due to the increased complexity of their operations. Source

  • Smaller LLCs may benefit from the simplicity and flexibility of the LLC structure. Larger LLCs may need to consider other business structures, such as a corporation or partnership. Source

In Summary…

In conclusion, the statistics and insights presented in this article provide valuable information for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are considering forming an LLC or looking to grow their existing LLC.

From understanding the revenue and staffing levels of most LLCs to effective strategies for scaling operations and increasing profitability, these statistics offer evidence-based guidance for success.

By using this information, entrepreneurs can make informed decisions about their business structure, growth strategies, and financing options.

For example, knowing that many LLCs have no employees other than the owner can help solo entrepreneurs feel confident in their decision to form an LLC rather than a sole proprietorship.

Understanding effective strategies for growth, such as investing in marketing and leveraging technology, can help small business owners develop a roadmap for success.

At Business Initiative, we offer consultation services to help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate the complexities of starting and growing an LLC.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your existing LLC to the next level, our team of experienced professionals can provide tailored guidance based on your unique needs and goals.

To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation call with Business Initiative, visit our website or contact us today.

And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter or follow us on Twitter for regular updates on industry trends and insights.



FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions About the Size of LLCs

Questions and Answers

These FAQs provide answers to common questions that entrepreneurs may have about the size of an LLC.

By understanding these key points, you can make better informed decisions about how to structure and grow your company according to your unique goals and priorities.

Is there a minimum or maximum size for an LLC?

No, there is no minimum or maximum size for an LLC.

Learn more...

LLCs can range in size from a single member to hundreds of members. In fact, the vast majority of LLCs have only one owner.

Do larger LLCs have more legal requirements than smaller ones?

Yes, larger LLCs may have more legal requirements than smaller ones.

Learn more...

As an LLC grows and takes on more members or employees, it may become subject to additional legal requirements such as labor laws and tax regulations. However, the specific legal requirements will vary depending on the state and industry.

Can a small LLC compete with larger companies in the same industry?

Yes, a small LLC can compete with larger companies in the same industry.

Learn more...

With the rise of technology and social media, small businesses can now reach customers all over the world, regardless of their size. In fact, many consumers prefer to support small businesses over larger corporations. According to a survey by American Express, 62% of consumers said they would rather buy from small businesses than big-box stores.

Are there any tax benefits to being a smaller LLC?

Yes, there may be tax benefits to being a smaller LLC.

Learn more...

Smaller LLCs may qualify for certain tax deductions and credits that are not available to larger corporations. For example, the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction allows eligible pass-through entities like LLCs to deduct up to 20% of their business income on their personal tax returns.

Can a small LLC grow into a larger one over time?

Yes, a small LLC can grow into a larger one over time.

Learn more...

Many successful companies started as small businesses and grew over time. For example, Apple, Amazon, and Google all started as small companies in garages or dorm rooms.

As a small LLC gains more customers and revenue, it may need to hire more employees or take on more investors to continue growing.

Research and Methodology

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented in this article, a thorough research process was undertaken.

Sources were carefully selected based on their relevance and credibility.

Both primary and secondary sources were consulted, including legal websites, government publications, scholarly articles, and reputable business resources.

In evaluating the quality of these sources, factors such as author expertise, publication date, and peer-review status were taken into consideration.

Only sources that met rigorous criteria for accuracy and reliability were included in this article.

The methodology used in compiling this article involved synthesizing information from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive overview of the various structures that LLCs can have.

The aim was to provide readers with useful insights into the different options available when it comes to structuring an LLC.

Overall, this article strives to be informative and reliable by using high-quality sources and following a rigorous research methodology.


Sources & Additional Information

The following sources were used to compile the statistics and insights presented in this article and can provide additional information for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are looking to form or grow an LLC.

Additionally, there are many other resources available online that can offer guidance on starting and growing an LLC. Some helpful resources include:

By using these resources, entrepreneurs can gain a deeper understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of forming an LLC, effective strategies for growth, financing options, and much more.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your existing LLC to the next level, there are plenty of resources available to help you succeed in your business venture.

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About the Author

jack nicholaisen
Jack Nicholaisen

Jack Nicholaisen is the founder of Businessinitiative.org. After acheiving the rank of Eagle Scout and studying Civil Engineering at Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE), he has spent the last 4 years disecting the mess of informaiton online about LLCs in order to help aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners better understand everything there is to know about starting, running, and growing Limited Liability Companies and other business entities.