📊 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Market Demographics
Population
620,000
🟢 Census ACS 2023
Median Household Income
$55,200
🟢 ACS Table B19013
Median Age
36.8 yrs
🟢 ACS Table B01002
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
🟢 BLS LAUS
Homeownership Rate
58.0%
🟢 ACS Table B25003
📋 Market Analysis: Why Augusta for Franchising?
Income & purchasing power. Augusta's median household income of $55,200 is 27% below the national median of $75,149. Value-oriented franchise concepts (QSR, cleaning services, discount retail) tend to perform well in markets below the national income median, as franchisees can maintain lower operating costs while serving strong demand.
Labor market conditions. The unemployment rate in Augusta is 4.8%, 1.2pp above the national average of 3.6%. A labor market near the national average provides balanced conditions for franchise operations — neither constrained by labor shortages nor burdened by weak demand.
Homeownership & service demand. At 58.0%, homeownership in Augusta is 7.2pp below the national rate of 65.2%. Lower homeownership rates shift franchise demand toward service-based and convenience concepts rather than home services. Look for opportunities in fitness, food, and personal care.
Top opportunity: Fitness & Wellness. With a Penetration Index of 36 (64% below the national average), Fitness & Wellness has the highest Opportunity Score of 86/100 in Augusta. The market has an estimated 27 existing units versus 74 expected based on population — a gap of roughly 47 units that represents white-space opportunity for new entrants.
How Augusta compares. Demographically similar metro areas include Toledo, Chattanooga, Spokane. Comparing franchise penetration across peer markets can reveal whether Augusta's opportunity gaps are local (untapped demand) or structural (category fit for the region). Explore each peer market for side-by-side franchise category analysis.
#1
💪
Fitness & Wellness
Gyms, boutique fitness studios, yoga, martial arts, and wellness centers
86
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
36
64% below avg
Est. Units (Augusta)
27
vs 74 expected
Avg Investment
$200,000–$600,000
typical range
64% below peer-market average — 27 estimated units vs 74 expected for a market of 0.6M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from IFA membership data + FDD Item 20
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Augusta →
#2
🏠
Home Services
Cleaning, landscaping, HVAC, plumbing, and home improvement service franchises
83
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
39
61% below avg
Est. Units (Augusta)
53
vs 136 expected
Avg Investment
$80,000–$300,000
typical range
61% below peer-market average — 53 estimated units vs 136 expected for a market of 0.6M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD disclosures + IFA annual report
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Augusta →
#3
👴
Senior Care
In-home care, assisted living placement, and senior enrichment franchises
77
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
45
55% below avg
Est. Units (Augusta)
14
vs 31 expected
Avg Investment
$90,000–$250,000
typical range
53% below peer-market average — 14 estimated units vs 31 expected for a market of 0.6M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from CMS CASPER + FDD Item 20 data
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Augusta →
#4
🍔
Fast Food / QSR
Quick-service restaurants including burgers, pizza, sandwiches, and ethnic fast food
76
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
47
53% below avg
Est. Units (Augusta)
116
vs 248 expected
Avg Investment
$250,000–$800,000
typical range
53% below peer-market average — 116 estimated units vs 248 expected for a market of 0.6M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD Item 20 + Census business patterns
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Augusta →
#5
☕
Coffee & Beverages
Coffee shops, juice bars, tea houses, and specialty beverage franchises
76
Opportunity
Score
🟡 Estimated
Penetration Index
46
54% below avg
Est. Units (Augusta)
52
vs 112 expected
Avg Investment
$150,000–$500,000
typical range
53% below peer-market average — 52 estimated units vs 112 expected for a market of 0.6M (Source: FDD Item 20 estimates)
📊 Source: Unit counts from FDD disclosures + SBA franchise data
Full Analysis — All 10 Categories in Augusta →
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📈 Peer Market Comparison — Similar Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Population | Median HHI |
|---|
| 📍 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC (this market) | 620,000 | $55,200 |
| Toledo, OH |
660,000 |
$54,900 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA |
583,000 |
$56,500 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA |
594,000 |
$57,700 |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best franchise categories to open in Augusta?
Based on our data analysis, the top franchise categories in Augusta by Opportunity Score are: 1. Fitness & Wellness (Score: 86/100), 2. Home Services (Score: 83/100), 3. Senior Care (Score: 77/100), 4. Fast Food / QSR (Score: 76/100), 5. Coffee & Beverages (Score: 76/100). These scores are based on population demographics from US Census ACS 2023 and franchise unit count estimates from FDD Item 20 disclosures.
How many people live in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro area?
According to the US Census American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates, the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metropolitan statistical area has a population of 620,000.
What is the median household income in Augusta?
The median household income in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC metro area is $55,200, according to US Census ACS 2023 estimates (ACS Table B19013).
How many Fitness & Wellness franchise units are in Augusta?
Based on FDD Item 20 disclosures and Census business pattern data, Augusta has an estimated 27 Fitness & Wellness franchise units, compared to 74 expected based on the metro's population. This gives a Penetration Index of 36 — indicating a potentially underserved market.
How does the Augusta market compare to similar metro areas for franchising?
Augusta has a population of 620,000 and median household income of $55,200, which is -27% below the national median. Comparable metro areas include Toledo, Chattanooga, Spokane. We recommend comparing opportunity scores across peer metros before selecting a territory, as penetration gaps vary significantly between demographically similar markets.
What factors should I consider before opening a franchise in Augusta?
Key factors include: (1) local income levels — Augusta's $55,200 median HHI determines which franchise price points the market supports, (2) category saturation — check the Penetration Index for your target category, (3) labor availability — the 4.8% unemployment rate affects staffing costs, and (4) real estate — homeownership at 58.0% influences both commercial lease availability and home services demand. Use our Territory Opportunity Finder for a complete category-by-category analysis.
📚 Data Sources & Methodology
This analysis is based on:
- US Census American Community Survey 2023 (5-year estimates)
- Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDD Item 20) through 2024
- International Franchise Association (IFA) market data
How Opportunity Scores are calculated: Scores combine franchise category penetration (estimated from FDD Item 20 data),
local income levels, unemployment, and regional market factors. A score of 80+ indicates strong underpenetration;
50–79 indicates moderate opportunity; below 50 indicates a saturated or challenging market.
What "estimated" means: Unit counts marked 🟡 are derived from FDD disclosures for major franchisors
and Census business pattern data. They are directional estimates, not precise counts. Verify through individual FDD Item 20 research.
Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only.
It does not constitute investment advice. Past market data does not guarantee future franchise performance.
Full methodology →
Last updated: April 1, 2026 · Data: US Census ACS 2023 · FDD through 2024
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