Analysis
NAICS 813312 is the 2022 national industry for environment, conservation and wildlife organizations, part of 81331 (Social Advocacy Organizations). Census lists 7 example activities under it in the official index.
County Business Patterns counts 8,311 US establishments in this code in 2023, employing 91,424 people at an average annual payroll of $59,048 per employee (32nd percentile of national industries). 52% of the establishments have fewer than five employees, which is close to the national mix.
Census lists 5 related activities that belong elsewhere, most often in 812910, 5411, 712190 and 924110. 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.
Its index entries, the activities Census uses to assign businesses to this code, include animal rights organizations, animal welfare associations or leagues, conservation advocacy organizations and environmental advocacy organizations, among 7 in all.
For example, operating animal shelters are classified in 812910 (Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services) instead.
Between 2018 and 2023 the number of establishments grew 5% and employment rose 15%. 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.
Official definition
This U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in promoting the preservation and protection of the environment and wildlife. Establishments in this industry address issues, such as clean air and water; global warming; conserving and developing natural resources, including land, plant, water, and energy resources; and protecting and preserving wildlife and endangered species. These organizations may solicit contributions and offer memberships to support these causes.
Illustrative Examples:
Animal rights organizations Natural resource preservation organizations Conservation advocacy organizations Wildlife preservation organizations Humane societies without animal shelters
Source: US Census Bureau, NAICS 2022 Manual.
Not this code if…
| The business mainly does | Use instead |
|---|---|
| Operating animal shelters | 812910 Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services |
| Providing legal services for environment, conservation, and wildlife organizations | 5411 Legal Services |
| Nature preserves or conservation areas | 712190 Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions |
| Government establishments primarily engaged in administering, overseeing, and managing governmental ecological restoration programs | 924110 Administration of Air and Water Resource and Solid Waste Management Programs |
| Government establishments primarily engaged in administering conservation programs | 924120 Administration of Conservation Programs |
Index entries (7)
- Animal rights organizations
- Animal welfare associations or leagues
- Conservation advocacy organizations
- Environmental advocacy organizations
- Humane societies without animal shelters
- Natural resource preservation organizations
- Wildlife preservation organizations