Why these markets?
We used the latest published Census County Business Patterns release available when checked on September 5, 2026: the 2023 reference year. California, Texas, Florida, New York and Illinois have the five largest state counts of employer establishments classified as car washes. Georgia, Michigan and Arizona add distinct conservation, winter and desert operating questions.
These figures measure business concentration, not vehicles washed. NAICS 811192 includes different washing and detailing models, excludes businesses without paid employees and is not a complete count of every wash bay or tunnel. Counts do not establish current buyer demand, a valuation multiple or search volume. See the Census methodology.
View the establishment counts and source
| State | Employer establishments | Rank among states and DC |
|---|---|---|
| California | 2,231 | 1 |
| Texas | 1,858 | 2 |
| Florida | 1,668 | 3 |
| New York | 964 | 4 |
| Illinois | 783 | 5 |
| Georgia | 691 | 7 |
| Michigan | 668 | 8 |
| Arizona | 402 | 16 |
Source: Census 2023 state data (ZIP). Filter: NAICS 811192, all legal forms of organization. Counts use the establishment field; the data year is 2023, not 2026.
Preparing a sale somewhere else?
Start with the general state preparation directory. It helps organize the authorities and records to verify while more detailed local research is developed.
Browse the full state preparation directory
Talk through the questions for your location.
Discuss your goals, the information you have and the questions to resolve before you decide to sell.
30 minutes with Jason Taken
HedgeStone Business Advisors