Business Opportunities in Columbia, SC

Data-driven insights using Gap Ratio analysis to identify underserved markets

Population

0.9M

High Demand

Moderate Demand

High Confidence

📊 How Gap Ratio Works

Gap Ratio = National Density / Local Density. Higher ratios indicate underserved markets. A ratio of 2.0x means this area has 50% fewer businesses per capita than the national average.

≥1.5x High Demand

1.1-1.5x Moderate

0.9-1.1x Balanced

<0.9x Saturated

Top Opportunities (Sorted by Gap Ratio)

Creative Professional

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

High Confidence

16.8xGap Ratio

94% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Freelance ArtistIndependent Writer

Local Density

0.06/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

7115

Creative Professional

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

High Confidence

16.8xGap Ratio

94% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Freelance ArtistIndependent Writer

Local Density

0.06/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

71151

commercial

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

High Confidence

16.8xGap Ratio

94% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.06/10k

National Avg

0.97/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

711510

Motion Picture and Video Industries Business

Motion Picture and Video Industries

High Confidence

5.0xGap Ratio

80% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Motion Picture and Video Industries ServiceProfessional Motion

Local Density

0.12/10k

National Avg

0.57/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5121

Commercial Photographer

Photography Studios, Portrait

High Confidence

4.7xGap Ratio

79% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Event PhotographyPortrait Photographer

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.16/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541921

commercial and industrial photography

Photographic Services

High Confidence

2.9xGap Ratio

65% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

portrait photographyspecial events photography

Local Density

0.10/10k

National Avg

0.30/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

54192

Professional Travel

Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services

High Confidence

2.7xGap Ratio

64% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services BusinessTravel Arrangement and Reservation Services Service

Local Density

0.10/10k

National Avg

0.28/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5615

Custom Computer Programming Services Business

Custom Computer Programming Services

High Confidence

2.6xGap Ratio

62% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Custom Computer Programming Services ServiceProfessional Custom

Local Density

0.68/10k

National Avg

1.80/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541511

manicures

Nail Salons

2.6xGap Ratio

62% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

nail extensionspedicures

Local Density

0.33/10k

National Avg

0.88/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

812113

facsimile services

Private Mail Centers

2.5xGap Ratio

60% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

office product saleson-site PC rental services

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.09/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

561431

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings Business

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings

High Confidence

2.5xGap Ratio

60% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings ServiceProfessional Other

Local Density

0.13/10k

National Avg

0.31/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

56179

Building exterior cleaning services (except sandblasting

Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings

High Confidence

2.5xGap Ratio

60% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.13/10k

National Avg

0.31/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

561790

Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) Business

Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)

High Confidence

2.1xGap Ratio

53% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians) ServiceProfessional Offices

Local Density

0.58/10k

National Avg

1.22/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

62133

hospitals or HMO medical centers

Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians)

High Confidence

2.1xGap Ratio

53% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

0.58/10k

National Avg

1.22/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

621330

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services Business

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

1.9xGap Ratio

49% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computing

Local Density

0.17/10k

National Avg

0.34/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5182

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services Business

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

1.9xGap Ratio

49% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computing

Local Density

0.17/10k

National Avg

0.34/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

51821

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services Business

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services

1.9xGap Ratio

49% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computing

Local Density

0.17/10k

National Avg

0.34/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

518210

Performing Arts Companies Business

Performing Arts Companies

1.9xGap Ratio

47% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Performing Arts Companies ServiceProfessional Performing

Local Density

0.09/10k

National Avg

0.17/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

7111

Automotive detail shops Mobile car and truck washes Car washes Self-service car washes

Car Washes

1.9xGap Ratio

46% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

passenger carstrailers

Local Density

0.20/10k

National Avg

0.36/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

811192

Computer Systems Design Services Business

Computer Systems Design Services

High Confidence

1.8xGap Ratio

45% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computer Systems Design Services ServiceProfessional Computer

Local Density

0.81/10k

National Avg

1.48/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541512

Professional Specialized

Specialized Design Services

High Confidence

1.8xGap Ratio

44% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Specialized Design Services BusinessSpecialized Design Services Service

Local Density

0.53/10k

National Avg

0.95/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5414

Computer Systems Design and Related Services Business

Computer Systems Design and Related Services

High Confidence

1.8xGap Ratio

44% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computer Systems Design and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computer

Local Density

2.27/10k

National Avg

4.02/10k

Local Businesses

197

NAICS Code

5415

Computer Systems Design and Related Services Business

Computer Systems Design and Related Services

High Confidence

1.8xGap Ratio

44% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Computer Systems Design and Related Services ServiceProfessional Computer

Local Density

2.27/10k

National Avg

4.02/10k

Local Businesses

197

NAICS Code

54151

Nonresidential Property Managers Business

Nonresidential Property Managers

1.8xGap Ratio

43% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Nonresidential Property Managers ServiceProfessional Nonresidential

Local Density

0.21/10k

National Avg

0.37/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

531312

Other Support Services Business

Other Support Services

1.8xGap Ratio

43% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Other Support Services ServiceProfessional Other

Local Density

0.21/10k

National Avg

0.37/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5619

Business Consultant

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

High Confidence

1.7xGap Ratio

42% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Corporate AdvisorManagement Consulting

Local Density

3.75/10k

National Avg

6.43/10k

Local Businesses

325

NAICS Code

5416

Accountant

Other Accounting Services

High Confidence

1.7xGap Ratio

41% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Bookkeeping ServiceCPA

Local Density

0.69/10k

National Avg

1.17/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541219

portfolio management

Other Financial Investment Activities

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

39% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Local Density

1.43/10k

National Avg

2.35/10k

Local Businesses

124

NAICS Code

5239

Custom Home Construction

Residential Building Construction

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

39% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Home Addition ServicesHome Builder

Local Density

3.70/10k

National Avg

6.08/10k

Local Businesses

321

NAICS Code

2361

commercial furniture and equipment

Specialized Freight Trucking

1.6xGap Ratio

39% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

flatbedsinstitutional

Local Density

0.73/10k

National Avg

1.19/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

4842

Architect

Architectural Services

1.6xGap Ratio

38% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Architecture FirmBuilding Design

Local Density

0.33/10k

National Avg

0.54/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

54131

Architect

Architectural Services

1.6xGap Ratio

38% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Architecture FirmBuilding Design

Local Density

0.33/10k

National Avg

0.54/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

541310

Barbershop

Barber Shops

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

38% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Beauty SalonHair Salon

Local Density

0.06/10k

National Avg

0.09/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

812111

clothes dryers

Home and Garden Equipment and Appliance Repair and Maintenance

High Confidence

1.6xGap Ratio

37% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

edgerslawnmowers

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.05/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

81141

collecting rents and overseeing other services (e

Real Estate Property Managers

1.5xGap Ratio

34% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

such as collecting rents and overseeing other services (e

Local Density

1.42/10k

National Avg

2.16/10k

Local Businesses

123

NAICS Code

53131

Professional Residential

Residential Property Managers

1.5xGap Ratio

34% fewer businesses than national average

High Demand

Residential Property Managers BusinessResidential Property Managers Service

Local Density

1.06/10k

National Avg

1.62/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

531311

Building Finishing Contractors Business

Building Finishing Contractors

High Confidence

1.5xGap Ratio

33% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Building Finishing Contractors ServiceProfessional Building

Local Density

2.39/10k

National Avg

3.58/10k

Local Businesses

207

NAICS Code

2383

Professional Promoters

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events

1.5xGap Ratio

33% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events BusinessPromoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events Service

Local Density

0.08/10k

National Avg

0.12/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

7113

Business Support Services Business

Business Support Services

1.5xGap Ratio

32% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Business Support Services ServiceProfessional Business

Local Density

0.45/10k

National Avg

0.66/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

5614

Barber shops Hair stylist shops Beauty salons Nail salons Cosmetology salons Cross-References

Hair, Nail, and Skin Care Services

1.5xGap Ratio

32% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Local Density

2.48/10k

National Avg

3.66/10k

Local Businesses

215

NAICS Code

81211

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors Business

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

1.5xGap Ratio

32% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors ServiceProfessional Electrical

Local Density

1.50/10k

National Avg

2.19/10k

Local Businesses

130

NAICS Code

23821

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors Business

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors

1.5xGap Ratio

32% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors ServiceProfessional Electrical

Local Density

1.50/10k

National Avg

2.19/10k

Local Businesses

130

NAICS Code

238210

Professional Support

Support Activities for Crop Production

1.4xGap Ratio

31% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Support Activities for Crop Production BusinessSupport Activities for Crop Production Service

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.05/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

1151

Aerial crop dusting or spraying (i

Support Activities for Crop Production

1.4xGap Ratio

31% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.05/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

11511

Professional Spectator

Spectator Sports

1.4xGap Ratio

31% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Spectator Sports BusinessSpectator Sports Service

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.05/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

7112

cars

Spectator Sports

1.4xGap Ratio

31% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

dogshorses

Local Density

0.03/10k

National Avg

0.05/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

71121

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors Business

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors

1.4xGap Ratio

28% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors ServiceProfessional Foundation

Local Density

2.08/10k

National Avg

2.88/10k

Local Businesses

180

NAICS Code

2381

dwellings

Lessors of Real Estate

High Confidence

1.4xGap Ratio

28% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

equity real estate investment trusts (REITs) primarily engaged in leasing buildingsor other real estate property to others

Local Density

2.77/10k

National Avg

3.86/10k

Local Businesses

240

NAICS Code

5311

Other Business Support Services Business

Other Business Support Services

High Confidence

1.4xGap Ratio

28% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Other Business Support Services ServiceProfessional Other

Local Density

0.06/10k

National Avg

0.08/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

56149

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists Business

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists

1.4xGap Ratio

28% fewer businesses than national average

Moderate Demand

Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists ServiceProfessional Offices

Local Density

0.97/10k

National Avg

1.34/10k

Local Businesses

NAICS Code

62134

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