Looking for a laundromat business? We help you find ones that might be for sale or need a new owner.
π‘How it works: We look for laundromats with low ratings, unhappy customers, or owners who aren't active. These could be great deals if you can improve them!
We analyzed 409 laundromats and 140,000+ nearby businesses using machine learning. The model found that reviews (80%) and ratings (7%) are the strongest predictors, followed by neighborhood demographics indicated by nearby business types.
π Pawnbrokers = Good Sign
+0.138
Correlation
0.71
Avg (Top 25%)
0.35
Avg (Bottom 25%)
π‘ Why Pawnbrokers Matter
Pawnbrokers indicate working-class neighborhoods where residents are more likely to use laundromats. Our data shows successful laundromats have 2x more pawnbrokers nearby than struggling ones. This is a statistically significant predictor (p=0.011).
π EV Chargers = Warning Sign
-0.077
Correlation
0.35
Avg (Top 25%)
1.18
Avg (Bottom 25%)
π‘ Why EV Chargers Are a Warning
EV chargers and Tesla Superchargers indicate affluent neighborhoods where residents typically own homes with washers/dryers. Low-performing laundromats have 3x more EV chargers nearby than successful ones. Avoid areas with high EV infrastructure.
π Working-Class Score Explained
+0.15
Correlation
8.2
Avg (Top 25%)
4.1
Avg (Bottom 25%)
π‘ How We Calculate This
Working-class score = 2Γpawnbrokers + 0.5Γcar repair + dollar stores. Higher scores indicate neighborhoods where residents are more likely to need laundromat services. Top performers average 2x higher working-class scores.
π Census Data Explained
ACS
Data Source
5-Year
Estimates
Tract
Level Detail
π‘ What is Census Data?
We use the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates from the US Census Bureau. This gives us accurate income, housing, and demographic data at the census tract level (neighborhoods of ~4,000 people). This is real government data, not estimates.
π Income vs. Laundromat Success
-0.18
Correlation
$42K
Best Income Range
$65K
US Median
π‘ Why Lower Income = Better
Households with income under $55,000 are much more likely to use laundromats. Higher income neighborhoods have homeowners with in-unit washers/dryers. The sweet spot is $35K-55K median income - enough disposable income to pay for laundry, but not enough for home ownership with W/D.
π Renter Rate - Key Predictor
+0.24
Correlation
62%
Avg (Top 25%)
38%
Avg (Bottom 25%)
π‘ Renters = Your Customers
Renter rate is one of the strongest predictors of laundromat success. Renters often live in apartments without in-unit W/D hookups. Areas with 50%+ renters have nearly 2x the success rate. This is even more important than income level.
π Why Avoid Affluent Areas
-0.12
Correlation
0.8
Avg (Top 25%)
2.4
Avg (Bottom 25%)
π‘ The Affluence Problem
Affluence score = 2ΓTesla chargers + 1.5ΓEV chargers. Affluent areas have homeowners with in-unit washers/dryers. Low-performing laundromats have 3x higher affluence scores. This is the strongest negative predictor in our model.
π Gas Stations = Foot Traffic
+0.033
Correlation
1.46
Avg (Top 25%)
0.83
Avg (Bottom 25%)
π‘ Why Gas Stations Help
Gas stations (especially Shell) indicate commercial activity and foot traffic. Successful laundromats average 75% more gas stations nearby. These areas have steady customer flow from people running errands.