You’ll find approximately 25,284 dry cleaning businesses operating across the United States today, though this number represents a dramatic shift from the industry’s healthier days before remote work and casual dress codes reshaped how we think about professional clothing care. The industry’s faced a steady 2% annual decline since 2019, with COVID-19 accelerating closures by roughly 30%, leaving survivors to capture larger market shares in an evolving environment that rewards innovation and convenience.
Current Number of Dry Cleaning Businesses Across America
Today, approximately 25,284 dry cleaning businesses operate across the United States, and honestly, that number surprised me when I first discovered it because it’s considerably lower than what many people might expect.
You’ve probably noticed fewer dry cleaners in your neighborhood, and there’s a reason for that – the dry cleaners industry has faced notable challenges recently. The number of businesses experienced a 1.9% decline from 2024, continuing historical trends that show an average annual decline of 2.0% since 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic hit cleaning services particularly hard, with around 30% of dry cleaning establishments closing permanently. These shifts reflect changing consumer habits and economic pressures affecting traditional dry cleaning services nationwide.
Despite these challenges, the industry continues to serve busy professionals and families who need expert care for delicate fabrics, though many businesses are adapting by offering eco-friendly cleaning methods and convenient pickup services to remain competitive.
Historical Decline Trends in the Dry Cleaning Industry
When I started digging into the historical data, the dramatic decline of America’s dry cleaning industry became impossible to ignore, and frankly, the numbers tell a story that’s both sobering and predictable.
You’re looking at a staggering drop from 27,204 dry cleaning establishments in 2001 to just 16,497 by 2022 – that’s nearly 40% of businesses vanishing over two decades.
The statistics reveal an average annual decline of 2.0% from 2019 to 2024, with trends accelerating during COVID-19 when roughly 30% of remaining establishments closed permanently.
The pandemic delivered a devastating blow to dry cleaners, with nearly one-third shuttering forever amid accelerating industry decline.
Consumer preferences shifted dramatically toward casual clothing and remote work, creating a perfect storm that fundamentally altered demand for traditional dry cleaning services, leaving the laundry industry scrambling to adapt.
Despite this decline, surviving businesses that maintain quality service and strategic positioning in high-traffic areas can still achieve profit margins of 15-25%.
Regional Distribution of Dry Cleaning Establishments
Five states dominate America’s dry cleaning environment in ways that’ll probably surprise you, and understanding this geographic puzzle helps explain why your neighborhood cleaner might be thriving while others struggle to survive.
California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois house nearly 40% of all dry cleaning establishments, directly reflecting urban population density patterns that drive consumer behaviors.
You’ll notice the sharpest decline rate hitting suburban areas hardest, where cleaning and laundry services faced brutal consolidation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Historical data reveals that metropolitan regions with over 500,000 residents maintained steadier dry cleaning businesses, while smaller cities experienced devastating closures.
This regional distribution isn’t random—it’s your community’s economic heartbeat determining whether these crucial services can weather ongoing industry storms.
The concentration of dry cleaners in these major states aligns with the fact that the industry employs hundreds of thousands of workers nationwide across both independent shops and larger chain operations.
Market Size and Revenue Statistics for US Dry Cleaners
Behind these regional patterns lies a sobering financial reality that’s reshaping America’s dry cleaning environment, and frankly, the numbers tell a story that’s both heartbreaking and surprisingly resilient.
You’re looking at a cleaning market projected to grow from $9.4 billion to $9.5 billion by 2026, which honestly feels like treading water when inflation’s breathing down everyone’s neck.
The average annual revenue for successful dry cleaners hits around $759,000, though that “successful” qualifier carries serious weight after 30% of establishments closed since the pandemic.
Despite this decline affecting U.S. dry cleaning businesses, the broader market size shows promise, with laundry services expected to reach $10.36 billion by 2025.
The dry cleaning industry’s resilience, frankly, amazes me.
While challenges from remote work reducing demand for professional attire have impacted the industry, key market drivers like urbanization and busy lifestyles continue to sustain the need for specialized garment care services.
Future Projections for Dry Cleaning Business Growth
Although the dry cleaning industry faces a puzzling contradiction that honestly keeps me up at night sometimes, you’re witnessing something remarkable unfold in real time.
While dry cleaning businesses are expected to shrink to 25,284 establishments by 2025, the market size tells a completely different story—it’s expected to grow to $60.88 billion by 2028.
This industry statistics paradox reveals evolving consumer preferences driving demand for cleaning services despite fewer physical locations. The compound annual growth rate of 3.4% suggests surviving businesses will capture larger market shares.
Currently, approximately 28,000 to 30,000 dry cleaning establishments operate across the United States, serving millions of customers who require specialized cleaning for delicate fabrics and formal wear.
Future growth opportunities depend heavily on economic factors like disposable income and employment rates, so if you’re considering this industry, focus on innovation and adaptation to thrive in this consolidating market 📈.
