Rhode Island: 2026 Business Market Risk & Industry Survival
Rank #9 of 51 state markets. 10 industries tracked. Population: 1,097,379.
Rhode Island ranks #9 out of 51 state markets by average entry risk (38.5). Accommodation and Food Services carries the lowest risk at 28.3 (Low), while Other Services is the most challenging at 42.5 (Elevated). The 14.2-point spread signals moderate variation across sectors. Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer with 84,475 jobs.
Rhode Island: 38.5 Average Entry Risk
Rhode Island at a Glance
Best Industries for New Entrants in Rhode Island
Industries with the lowest entry risk in Rhode Island.
Entry Risk by Industry in Rhode Island
Compare market entry conditions across industries in Rhode Island. Rank indicates position vs. all 50 states.
Rhode Island Industry Data: 39,734 Establishments
| Industry | Entry Risk | Rank | Establishments | Employment | Avg Wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and Food Services NAICS 72 | 28.3 | #6/51 | 3,314 | 51,937 | $30,129 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services NAICS 54 | 35.3 | #13/51 | 9,418 | 31,001 | $104,884 |
| Healthcare and Social Assistance NAICS 62 | 36.0 | #17/51 | 5,589 | 84,475 | $62,583 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing NAICS 53 | 37.8 | #22/51 | 1,450 | 6,580 | $66,255 |
| Construction NAICS 23 | 38.8 | #17/51 | 4,096 | 22,211 | $81,512 |
| Information NAICS 51 | 39.9 | #16/51 | 1,514 | 5,644 | $110,360 |
| Finance and Insurance NAICS 52 | 41.9 | #4/51 | 2,352 | 25,110 | $114,122 |
| Administrative and Support Services NAICS 56 | 42.0 | #27/51 | 3,972 | 28,087 | $54,933 |
| Retail Trade NAICS 44-45 | 42.3 | #21/51 | 3,930 | 47,450 | $41,585 |
| Other Services NAICS 81 | 42.5 | #23/51 | 4,099 | 18,214 | $46,970 |
Largest Industries in Rhode Island by Employment
Metro Markets in Rhode Island
1 metropolitan areas with industry-level market scores. Each links to its most favorable industry.
How Rhode Island Compares to Neighboring States
Average entry risk across all tracked industries. Lower scores indicate better conditions for new businesses.
| State | Avg Entry Risk | vs RI |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 38.5 | — |
| Massachusetts | 40.6 | +2.1 |
| Connecticut | 46.7 | +8.2 |
Rhode Island: Frequently Asked Questions
2026 state-level data answers to common business-formation questions.
What is Rhode Island's overall business entry risk score for 2026?
Rhode Island averages 38.5 across 10 tracked industries, ranking #9 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 Rhode Island?
Accommodation and Food Services carries the lowest entry risk in Rhode Island at 28.3 (Low). It employs 51,937 workers across 3,314 establishments.
Which sector is the most challenging for new businesses in Rhode Island?
Other Services posts Rhode Island's highest entry risk at 42.5 (Elevated). New entrants in this sector face conditions that favor incumbents.
How many businesses operate in Rhode Island?
39,734 business establishments are tracked across 10 industries in Rhode Island, employing 320,709 workers in 2026 data releases from the U.S. Census BDS and BLS QCEW.
What is Rhode Island's largest industry by employment?
Healthcare and Social Assistance is the largest tracked employer in Rhode Island with 84,475 jobs across 5,589 establishments and an entry risk score of 36.0.