Minnesota: 2026 Business Market Risk & Industry Survival
Rank #13 of 51 state markets. 10 industries tracked. Population: 5,706,494.
Minnesota ranks #13 out of 51 state markets by average entry risk (39.5). Healthcare and Social Assistance carries the lowest risk at 31.0 (Moderate), while Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services is the most challenging at 49.2 (Elevated). The 18.2-point spread signals significant variation across sectors. Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer with 510,901 jobs.
Minnesota: 39.5 Average Entry Risk
Minnesota at a Glance
Best Industries for New Entrants in Minnesota
Industries with the lowest entry risk in Minnesota.
Entry Risk by Industry in Minnesota
Compare market entry conditions across industries in Minnesota. Rank indicates position vs. all 50 states.
Minnesota Industry Data: 161,871 Establishments
| Industry | Entry Risk | Rank | Establishments | Employment | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare and Social Assistance NAICS 62 | 31.0 | #9/51 | 25,787 | 510,901 | $66,323 |
| Administrative and Support Services NAICS 56 | 34.2 | #15/51 | 10,368 | 122,157 | $55,966 |
| Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 72 | 34.9 | #19/51 | 12,862 | 223,530 | $26,730 |
| Construction NAICS 23 | 37.3 | #14/51 | 18,401 | 138,042 | $88,597 |
| Other Services NAICS 81 | 38.1 | #12/51 | 20,698 | 91,658 | $47,569 |
| Retail Trade NAICS 44-45 | 39.6 | #9/51 | 17,994 | 284,854 | $39,364 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 53 | 42.1 | #31/51 | 7,042 | 35,700 | $69,076 |
| Information NAICS 51 | 42.6 | #22/51 | 7,331 | 43,462 | $118,075 |
| Finance and Insurance NAICS 52 | 46.6 | #11/51 | 11,260 | 137,026 | $136,572 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 54 | 49.2 | #47/51 | 30,128 | 166,692 | $122,103 |
Largest Industries in Minnesota by Employment
Metro Markets in Minnesota
5 metropolitan areas with industry-level market scores. Each links to its most favorable industry.
How Minnesota Compares to Neighboring States
Average entry risk across all tracked industries. Lower scores indicate better conditions for new businesses.
| State | Avg Entry Risk | vs MN |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 39.5 | — |
| South Dakota | 33.5 | -6.0 |
| Wisconsin | 33.9 | -5.6 |
| Iowa | 35.5 | -4.0 |
| North Dakota | 40.4 | +0.9 |
Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
2026 state-level data answers to common business-formation questions.
What is Minnesota's overall business entry risk score for 2026?
Minnesota averages 39.5 across 10 tracked industries, ranking #13 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 Minnesota?
Healthcare and Social Assistance carries the lowest entry risk in Minnesota at 31.0 (Moderate). It employs 510,901 workers across 25,787 establishments.
Which sector is the most challenging for new businesses in Minnesota?
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services posts Minnesota's highest entry risk at 49.2 (Elevated). New entrants in this sector face conditions that favor incumbents.
How many businesses operate in Minnesota?
161,871 business establishments are tracked across 10 industries in Minnesota, employing 1,754,022 workers in 2026 data releases from the U.S. Census BDS and BLS QCEW.
What is Minnesota's largest industry by employment?
Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer in Minnesota with 510,901 jobs across 25,787 establishments and an entry risk score of 31.0.