Selling a Business in Marion County

Marion County has 24,248 employer businesses, and 80% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.

LOCAL SNAPSHOT

Marion County by the numbers

24,248

24,248

EMPLOYER BUSINESSES

80%

80%

SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE

86,661

86,661

BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES

544,147

544,147

EMPLOYMENT

$38.0 billion

$38.0 billion

ANNUAL PAYROLL

10,345

10,345

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 Marion County compares

  • Marion County ranks 1st of 92 Indiana counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 3.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Marion County, compared with 5% in Indiana.

  • 10,345 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

  • Marion County ranks 1st of 92 Indiana counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.

  • The number of employer businesses grew 3.9% between 2018 and 2023.

  • Real estate and rental makes up 6% of employer businesses in Marion County, compared with 5% in Indiana.

  • 10,345 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.

Industry mix

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Health care and social assistance: 3,216 employer businesses

  • Retail: 2,856 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 2,627 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 2,456 employer businesses

  • Accommodation and food service: 2,405 employer businesses

The largest industries by number of employer businesses:

  • Health care and social assistance: 3,216 employer businesses

  • Retail: 2,856 employer businesses

  • Professional and technical services: 2,627 employer businesses

  • Repair, personal care and other services: 2,456 employer businesses

  • Accommodation and food service: 2,405 employer businesses

INDUSTRIES

What sells in Marion County

Health care and social assistance, retail, professional and technical services, repair, personal care and other services

Every kind of business we sell in Marion County

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Marion 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

2,215 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Construction & Engineering

2,190 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • General Contracting: 559 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 269 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Civil Engineering: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Plumbing: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Masonry: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Medical Practices

1,700 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Financial & Professional Services

1,520 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Retail Stores

1,039 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Logistics & Transportation

913 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Automotive & Boat

777 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Auto Repair: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Wholesale & Distribution

653 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Manufacturing

592 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Home Services

568 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Property Management: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Residential Cleaning: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Pest Control: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Gas Stations & Convenience

414 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Gas Stations: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Technology & Media

411 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

398 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Beauty & Personal Care

332 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Hair Salons: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Senior Care & Living

328 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Education & Childcare

306 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Daycare Centers: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

243 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Hotels: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

225 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Bars & Pubs: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Bowling Alleys: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

Health & Fitness

178 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Energy & Utilities

102 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Pet Services

87 related employer businesses in Marion County.

We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Marion 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

2,215 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Construction & Engineering

2,190 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • General Contracting: 559 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Interior Finishing: 360 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Landscaping: 269 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Civil Engineering: 226 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Plumbing: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.

  • HVAC Services: 223 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Electrical: 168 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.

  • Roofing & Siding: 132 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.

  • Foundation & Site Prep: 127 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Masonry: 50 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Equipment.

  • Carpentry & Framing: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Remediation & Restoration: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.

Medical Practices

1,700 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Financial & Professional Services

1,520 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Retail Stores

1,039 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Logistics & Transportation

913 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Automotive & Boat

777 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Auto Repair: 285 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Car Dealerships: 166 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.

  • Auto Parts: 164 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.

  • Collision Repair: 77 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.

  • Car Washes: 51 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 7.0x EBITDA.

  • Towing & Repo: 30 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.

  • Boat Dealerships: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.

Wholesale & Distribution

653 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Manufacturing

592 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Home Services

568 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Property Management: 267 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.

  • Residential Cleaning: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.

  • Commercial Cleaning: 220 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.

  • Pest Control: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.34x - 2.90x SDE.

  • Security Systems: 34 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.9x EBITDA.

Gas Stations & Convenience

414 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Gas Stations: 365 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.

  • Convenience Stores: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.

Technology & Media

411 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Pharmacies & Medical Supply

398 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Beauty & Personal Care

332 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Hair Salons: 199 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.

  • Day Spas: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE.

  • Tattoo Shops: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Massage Parlors: 85 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Nail Salons: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.4x - 1.88x SDE.

  • Barber Shops: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.25x SDE.

Senior Care & Living

328 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Education & Childcare

306 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Daycare Centers: 284 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.

  • Tutoring Centers: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.

Hospitality & Travel

243 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Hotels: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.

  • Motels: 170 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.

  • Transportation Services: 47 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.

  • Travel Agencies: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.2x SDE.

  • Bed & Breakfasts / Inns: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

Entertainment & Recreation

225 related employer businesses in Marion County.

  • Bars & Pubs: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Clubs & Lounges: 130 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.

  • Outdoor Recreation: 55 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.

  • Golf Courses: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.

  • Arcades & FECs: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.1x - 3.6x SDE.

  • Bowling Alleys: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x EBITDA.

Health & Fitness

178 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Energy & Utilities

102 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Pet Services

87 related employer businesses in Marion County.

Working with owners in Marion County

Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Marion County. Contact us to talk about a sale.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions owners in Marion County ask

How long does it take to sell a business in Marion 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 Marion 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 Marion 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