U.S. business data

Women-Owned Business Statistics in the U.S.

Five citable figures that show the scale of women-owned businesses in the United States, using the latest Census Bureau release available for this measure.

Last updated September 15, 2026. Data year: 2022.

A practical reference

Big ideas become more useful when the numbers are clear.

Women build businesses in every kind of season, from an early idea on the side to a company with a growing team. This page brings together a focused set of public figures for writers, educators, business owners, and anyone looking for a reliable starting point.

Each number below links to the same U.S. Census Bureau release, where the underlying definitions and supporting data are available.

03

12.7 million

businesses without paid employees

Women owned 12.7 million nonemployer businesses in 2022. These are businesses with annual receipts of at least $1,000 that file federal income tax but do not have paid employees.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, released May 8, 2025

How to read these numbers

One source, clearly defined.

The figures on this page come from the U.S. Census Bureau's Nonemployer Statistics by Demographics release, published May 8, 2025, using 2022 data. Census defines nonemployer businesses as businesses with at least $1,000 in annual receipts that file federal income tax and have no paid employees.

The 14.0 million business and $2.5 trillion receipt figures combine employer and nonemployer businesses. The remaining figures refer only to nonemployer businesses. Keeping those measures separate makes the page easier to use accurately.

Read the Census methodology

Cite this page

Use a stable link when you share a statistic.

Suggested citation: LUXE Income Lounge. “Women-Owned Business Statistics in the U.S.” Updated September 15, 2026. https://luxeincomelounge.com/women-owned-business-statistics

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