Analysis
NAICS 8123 is the 2022 industry group for drycleaning and laundry services, part of 812 (Personal and Laundry Services). Census lists 63 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 29,017 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 256,702 people at an average annual payroll of $37,204 per employee (7th percentile of national industries). 66% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which marks it as a small-business industry.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments fell 13% and employment fell 10%. 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.
Across its national industries Census lists 63 index entries; typical ones are automatic laundries, coin-operated, agents, laundry and drycleaning, apron supply services and clean room apparel supply services.
It splits into 3 more detailed codes. The largest by establishments is 81232 (Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated)) with 15,801.
Its more detailed codes are 81231 Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners (10,890 establishments), 81232 Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) (15,801 establishments) and 81233 Linen and Uniform Supply (2,326 establishments).
Official definition
This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in operating coin- or card-operated or similar self-service laundries and drycleaners; providing drycleaning and laundry services (except coin- or card-operated); and supplying, on a rental or contract basis, laundered items (e.g., uniforms, gowns, shop towels, etc.). Included in this industry group are establishments primarily engaged in supplying and servicing coin- or card-operated laundry and drycleaning equipment in places of business operated by others, such as apartments and dormitories.
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Index entries (63)
- Automatic laundries, coin-operated
- Agents, laundry and drycleaning
- Apron supply services
- Clean room apparel supply services