Connecticut: 2026 Business Market Risk & Industry Survival
Rank #38 of 51 state markets. 10 industries tracked. Population: 3,605,944.
Connecticut ranks #38 out of 51 state markets by average entry risk (46.7). Healthcare and Social Assistance carries the lowest risk at 30.9 (Moderate), while Finance and Insurance is the most challenging at 73.7 (High). The 42.8-point spread signals significant variation across sectors. Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer with 291,475 jobs.
Connecticut: 46.7 Average Entry Risk
Connecticut at a Glance
Best Industries for New Entrants in Connecticut
Industries with the lowest entry risk in Connecticut.
Entry Risk by Industry in Connecticut
Compare market entry conditions across industries in Connecticut. Rank indicates position vs. all 50 states.
Connecticut Industry Data: 118,722 Establishments
| Industry | Entry Risk | Rank | Establishments | Employment | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and Social Assistance NAICS 62 | 30.9 | #8/51 | 21,748 | 291,475 | $66,874 |
| Administrative and Support Services NAICS 56 | 32.1 | #10/51 | 10,532 | 88,592 | $66,686 |
| Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 72 | 37.3 | #27/51 | 9,601 | 125,938 | $31,249 |
| Construction NAICS 23 | 43.2 | #27/51 | 9,742 | 63,272 | $87,536 |
| Retail Trade NAICS 44-45 | 44.7 | #31/51 | 12,671 | 165,499 | $45,372 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 54 | 45.1 | #41/51 | 22,494 | 101,440 | $137,636 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 53 | 45.9 | #37/51 | 4,186 | 19,550 | $90,403 |
| Information NAICS 51 | 54.5 | #47/51 | 5,115 | 0 | $0 |
| Other Services NAICS 81 | 59.1 | #49/51 | 13,688 | 56,826 | $50,288 |
| Finance and Insurance NAICS 52 | 73.7 | #51/51 | 8,945 | 96,463 | $234,165 |
Largest Industries in Connecticut by Employment
Metro Markets in Connecticut
5 metropolitan areas with industry-level market scores. Each links to its most favorable industry.
How Connecticut Compares to Neighboring States
Average entry risk across all tracked industries. Lower scores indicate better conditions for new businesses.
| State | Avg Entry Risk | vs CT |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 46.7 | — |
| Rhode Island | 38.5 | -8.2 |
| Massachusetts | 40.6 | -6.1 |
| New York | 52.7 | +6.0 |
Connecticut: Frequently Asked Questions
2026 state-level data answers to common business-formation questions.
What is Connecticut's overall business entry risk score for 2026?
Connecticut averages 46.7 across 10 tracked industries, ranking #38 of 51 state markets. Lower scores indicate more favorable conditions; the national average sits near 44.
What is the easiest industry to start a business in within Connecticut?
Healthcare and Social Assistance carries the lowest entry risk in Connecticut at 30.9 (Moderate). It employs 291,475 workers across 21,748 establishments.
Which sector is the most challenging for new businesses in Connecticut?
Finance and Insurance posts Connecticut's highest entry risk at 73.7 (High). New entrants in this sector face conditions that favor incumbents.
How many businesses operate in Connecticut?
118,722 business establishments are tracked across 10 industries in Connecticut, employing 1,009,055 workers in 2026 data releases from the U.S. Census BDS and BLS QCEW.
What is Connecticut's largest industry by employment?
Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer in Connecticut with 291,475 jobs across 21,748 establishments and an entry risk score of 30.9.