Selling a Business in DeKalb County
DeKalb County has 1,165 employer businesses, and 86% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
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LOCAL SNAPSHOT
DeKalb County by the numbers
1,165
1,165
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
86%
86%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
5,767
5,767
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
20,004
20,004
EMPLOYMENT
$1.0 billion
$1.0 billion
ANNUAL PAYROLL
527
527
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 DeKalb County compares
DeKalb County ranks 22nd of 67 Alabama counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 8% of employer businesses in DeKalb County, compared with 4% in Alabama.
527 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
DeKalb County ranks 22nd of 67 Alabama counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 6.8% between 2018 and 2023.
Manufacturing makes up 8% of employer businesses in DeKalb County, compared with 4% in Alabama.
527 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 255 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 131 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 122 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 103 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 98 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 255 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 131 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 122 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 103 employer businesses
Manufacturing: 98 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in DeKalb County
Retail, health care and social assistance, repair, personal care and other services, accommodation and food service
Every kind of business we sell in DeKalb County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in DeKalb County. 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.
Restaurants & Food
106 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
86 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
84 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Contracting: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
81 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Metal Fabrication: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
76 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Primary & Family Care: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
58 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Insurance Agencies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Automotive & Boat
54 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Auto Repair: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Gas Stations & Convenience
50 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Gas Stations: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
34 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Freight Trucking: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
25 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
20 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
14 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Property Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
8 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Daycare Centers: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
7 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hotels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
6 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Senior Care & Living
5 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in DeKalb County. 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.
Restaurants & Food
106 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 45 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Full-Service Restaurants: 35 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
86 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Construction & Engineering
84 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Contracting: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Plumbing: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Interior Finishing: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Roofing & Siding: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Manufacturing
81 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Metal Fabrication: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Textile & Apparel Manufacturing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Medical Practices
76 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Primary & Family Care: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Financial & Professional Services
58 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Insurance Agencies: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Private Lending: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Automotive & Boat
54 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Auto Repair: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Dealerships: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Collision Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Towing & Repo: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Gas Stations & Convenience
50 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Gas Stations: 43 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Logistics & Transportation
34 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
General Freight Trucking: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Heavy Haul Transport: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
25 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Home Infusion: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
20 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Home Services
14 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Property Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Pest Control: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.
Residential Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
8 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Daycare Centers: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
7 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Hotels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
6 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Senior Care & Living
5 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Health & Fitness
4 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Entertainment & Recreation
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Golf Courses: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in DeKalb County.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Working with owners in DeKalb County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in DeKalb County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in DeKalb County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in DeKalb County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in DeKalb 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 DeKalb 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