Selling a Business in Polk County
Polk County has 1,163 employer businesses, and 89% 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
Polk County by the numbers
1,163
1,163
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
89%
89%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
3,551
3,551
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
14,018
14,018
EMPLOYMENT
$710 million
$710 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
457
457
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 Polk County compares
Polk County ranks 32nd of 72 Wisconsin counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 14% of employer businesses in Polk County, compared with 10% in Wisconsin.
457 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Polk County ranks 32nd of 72 Wisconsin counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 3.4% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 14% of employer businesses in Polk County, compared with 10% in Wisconsin.
457 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 160 employer businesses
Retail: 156 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 142 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 135 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 110 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Construction: 160 employer businesses
Retail: 156 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 142 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 135 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 110 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Polk County
Construction, retail, accommodation and food service, repair, personal care and other services
Every kind of business we sell in Polk County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Polk 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
168 related employer businesses in Polk County.
General Contracting: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 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
88 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
64 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Metal Fabrication: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x 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.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
58 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Entertainment & Recreation
50 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Bars & Pubs: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
49 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Auto Repair: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Retail Stores
47 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
46 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Dental Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
35 related employer businesses in Polk County.
General Freight Trucking: 31 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
28 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Gas Stations: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Energy & Utilities
16 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Hotels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
14 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
13 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Hair Salons: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Home Services
12 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Residential Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
10 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 7 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
5 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
3 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Daycare Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in Polk 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 Polk 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
168 related employer businesses in Polk County.
General Contracting: 49 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Landscaping: 29 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 21 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Plumbing: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Electrical: 14 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Carpentry & Framing: 3 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
88 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 44 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 22 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Manufacturing
64 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Metal Fabrication: 24 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x 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.
Electronics & Tech Manufacturing: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.5x EBITDA.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Financial & Professional Services
58 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 19 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Real Estate Brokerages: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Insurance Agencies: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wealth Management: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Entertainment & Recreation
50 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Bars & Pubs: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 42 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Golf Courses: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 8.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Automotive & Boat
49 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Auto Repair: 20 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Auto Parts: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Collision Repair: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Retail Stores
47 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Home Decor & Furniture: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
46 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Dental Practices: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Veterinary Medicine: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 9.0x EBITDA.
Primary & Family Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Vision & Eye Care: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Logistics & Transportation
35 related employer businesses in Polk County.
General Freight Trucking: 31 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.
Gas Stations & Convenience
28 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Gas Stations: 28 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Energy & Utilities
16 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Water & Wastewater Services: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Hospitality & Travel
15 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Hotels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Campgrounds & RV Parks: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Wholesale & Distribution
14 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Medical, Dental & Pharmaceutical Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Beauty & Personal Care
13 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Hair Salons: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Home Services
12 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Residential Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.6x SDE.
Commercial Cleaning: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.47x - 4.11x EBITDA.
Senior Care & Living
10 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 7 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.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
8 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Compounding Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Health & Fitness
5 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Wellness & Recovery Centers: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 5.5x - 9.7x EBITDA.
Education & Childcare
3 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Daycare Centers: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Pet Services
3 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Pet Grooming & Spas: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Boarding, Daycare & Training: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA.
Technology & Media
3 related employer businesses in Polk County.
Creative Agencies: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 3.0x SDE.
Working with owners in Polk County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Polk County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Polk County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Polk 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 Polk 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 Polk 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