541720

Analysis

NAICS 541720 is the 2022 national industry for research and development in the social sciences and humanities, part of 54172 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities). Census lists 14 example activities under it in the official index.

County Business Patterns counts 2,082 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 46,634 people at an average annual payroll of $91,802 per employee (79th percentile of national industries). 58% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.

Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include archeological research and development services, behavioral research and development services, business research and development services and cognitive research and development services, among 14 in all.

For example, marketing research are classified in 541910 (Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling) instead.

Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 6% and employment rose 24%. The 2018 count used NAICS 2017, so part of a large move can come from codes being redefined rather than from businesses opening or closing.

Census lists 2 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 541910 and 813212. Businesses that do several things are classified by their primary activity, the one that generates the most value, so check those boundaries before settling on this code.