What business should I start in Akron, OH?

On Census Business Patterns for Akron's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are roofing, tire shop, nail salon, jewelry store, garden center / nursery. Roofing leads: Akron has 93% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 13 more.

How is "room" measured?

Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Akron against the Ohio rate, from Census County and ZIP Business Patterns 2023, with crowded types (more than 1.35 times the state rate) left off. It is a screen, not a guarantee: the paid report maps the actual competitors and the neighborhood demand.

What does it cost to open these?

Roofing $15k–$50k; Tire Shop $50k–$150k; Nail Salon $30k–$75k; Jewelry Store $50k–$200k; Garden Center / Nursery $60k–$300k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.

Business ideas · Ohio · Census Business Patterns 2023

Business ideas in Akron, OH: what has room right now

Out of 234 business types, these five have the most room in Akron at a $60,000 budget: fewer per resident than the rest of Ohio, a startup range you can reach, and a realistic time to the first paying customer. Skipped 25 the city already has more of. Run it with your own budget and interests.

Neur picks

Akron, OH · 189,526 residents

01
Roofing
Roof installation, repair, and replacement — residential and commercial
- RoomAkron has 93% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 13 more.
- CostOpens for $15k to $50k, inside your budget.
- In Akron1
- Per 100k vs state0.5 vs 7.4
- Residents per one189,526
- To first dollar—
02
Tire Shop
Tire sales, mounting, balancing, and alignment services
- RoomAkron has 92% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 11 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $150k, inside your budget.
- In Akron1
- Per 100k vs state0.5 vs 6.5
- Residents per one189,526
- To first dollar—
03
Nail Salon
Manicures, pedicures, and nail art services
- RoomAkron has 92% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 11 more.
- CostOpens for $30k to $75k, inside your budget.
- In Akron1
- Per 100k vs state0.5 vs 6.2
- Residents per one189,526
- To first dollar2 to 5 mo
04
Jewelry Store
Retail jewelry — fashion or fine pieces, repairs, and custom work
- RoomAkron has 89% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 8 more.
- CostOpens for $50k to $200k, inside your budget.
- In Akron1
- Per 100k vs state0.5 vs 4.6
- Residents per one189,526
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo
05
Garden Center / Nursery
Plants, trees, soil, and feed; landscapers and homeowners
- RoomAkron has 88% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 7 more.
- CostOpens for $60k to $300k, inside your budget.
- In Akron1
- Per 100k vs state0.5 vs 4.2
- Residents per one189,526
- To first dollar3 to 7 mo

Questions

What business should I start in Akron, OH?: On Census Business Patterns for Akron's own ZIP codes, the types with the most room at a $60,000 budget are roofing, tire shop, nail salon, jewelry store, garden center / nursery. Roofing leads: Akron has 93% fewer of these per person than Ohio. At the state rate it would hold about 13 more.
How is "room" measured?: Establishments per 100,000 residents inside Akron against the Ohio rate, from Census County and ZIP Business Patterns 2023, with crowded types (more than 1.35 times the state rate) left off. It is a screen, not a guarantee: the paid report maps the actual competitors and the neighborhood demand.
What does it cost to open these?: Roofing $15k–$50k; Tire Shop $50k–$150k; Nail Salon $30k–$75k; Jewelry Store $50k–$200k; Garden Center / Nursery $60k–$300k. Ranges are Neur planning ranges per business type; the report localizes rent and wages.