Selling a Business in Jefferson County
Jefferson County has 991 employer businesses, and 94% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here. The largest industries here are construction and retail.
Areas in Washington
LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Jefferson County by the numbers
991
991
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
94%
94%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,459
3,459
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
7,237
7,237
EMPLOYMENT
$382 million
$382 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
351
351
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Jefferson County compares
Jefferson County ranks 25th of 39 Washington counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 5.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Jefferson County, compared with 3% in Washington.
351 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Jefferson County ranks 25th of 39 Washington counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 5.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 6% of employer businesses in Jefferson County, compared with 3% in Washington.
351 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 169 employer businesses
Retail: 117 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 111 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 104 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 92 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 169 employer businesses
Retail: 117 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 111 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 104 employer businesses
Professional and technical services: 92 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Jefferson County
Construction, retail, accommodation and food service, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Jefferson County
These are the industries in Jefferson County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
181 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Contracting: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
80 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
64 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
42 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
41 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical Practices
35 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Dental Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Auto Repair: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Boat Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hotels: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
12 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hair Salons: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Nail Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
12 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
11 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Health & Fitness
10 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Home Services
10 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Property Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
7 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Bars & Pubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
7 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Gas Stations: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
6 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Freight Trucking: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
5 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
These are the industries in Jefferson County and the number of employer businesses in each. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
181 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Contracting: 70 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Civil Engineering: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Carpentry & Framing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Masonry: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.
Restaurants & Food
80 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
64 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Real Estate Brokerages: 32 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Retail Stores
42 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
41 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Metal Fabrication: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical Practices
35 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Dental Practices: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Primary & Family Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Specialty Medicine: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Auto Repair: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Boat Dealerships: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Marinas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hotels: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Beauty & Personal Care
12 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Hair Salons: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Day Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.
Nail Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.
Tattoo Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Massage Parlors: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Technology & Media
12 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Media, Film & Studio Production: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.5x SDE.
Creative Agencies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
11 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Health & Fitness
10 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Home Services
10 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Property Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
7 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Bars & Pubs: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
7 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Gas Stations: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Education & Childcare
6 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Daycare Centers: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
6 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
General Freight Trucking: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Wholesale & Distribution
5 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Pet Retail & Specialty Supplies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE + Inventory.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
3 related employer businesses in Jefferson County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Working with owners in Jefferson County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Jefferson County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Jefferson County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Jefferson County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers.
How is a business valued in Jefferson County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Jefferson County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article