Selling a Business in Essex County
Essex County has 1,186 employer businesses, and 92% 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
Essex County by the numbers
1,186
1,186
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
92%
92%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,266
3,266
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
10,192
10,192
EMPLOYMENT
$597 million
$597 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
444
444
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 Essex County compares
Essex County ranks 44th of 62 New York counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 0.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Accommodation and food service makes up 17% of employer businesses in Essex County, compared with 10% in New York.
444 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Essex County ranks 44th of 62 New York counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses fell 0.6% between 2018 and 2023.
Accommodation and food service makes up 17% of employer businesses in Essex County, compared with 10% in New York.
444 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Accommodation and food service: 202 employer businesses
Retail: 179 employer businesses
Construction: 160 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 158 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 99 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Accommodation and food service: 202 employer businesses
Retail: 179 employer businesses
Construction: 160 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 158 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 99 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Essex County
Accommodation and food service, retail, construction, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Essex County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Essex 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.
Construction & Engineering
167 related employer businesses in Essex County.
General Contracting: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
134 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
68 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
59 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Hotels: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
40 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Insurance Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
33 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Primary & Family Care: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
31 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Auto Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Marinas: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
30 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Gas Stations: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
19 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Bars & Pubs: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
18 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
17 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Daycare Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
13 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Home Services
11 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Property Management: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x 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.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Logistics & Transportation
10 related employer businesses in Essex County.
General Freight Trucking: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
10 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
6 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Hair Salons: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
6 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Real Estate Media: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Essex 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.
Construction & Engineering
167 related employer businesses in Essex County.
General Contracting: 78 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Landscaping: 25 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Interior Finishing: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Restaurants & Food
134 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 62 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Coffee Shops: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
68 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hospitality & Travel
59 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Hotels: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
40 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Insurance Agencies: 15 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Real Estate Brokerages: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Medical Practices
33 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Primary & Family Care: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Veterinary Medicine: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
31 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Auto Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Car Dealerships: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Marinas: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: Cap Rate or 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Auto Parts: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Car Washes: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
30 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Gas Stations: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Convenience Stores: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Entertainment & Recreation
19 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Bars & Pubs: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Outdoor Recreation: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
18 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
17 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Daycare Centers: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Senior Care & Living
13 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Home Services
11 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Property Management: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x 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.
Energy & Utilities
10 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Logistics & Transportation
10 related employer businesses in Essex County.
General Freight Trucking: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
10 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
6 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Hair Salons: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
6 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in Essex County.
Real Estate Media: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.8x SDE.
Working with owners in Essex County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Essex County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Essex County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Essex 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 Essex 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 Essex 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