Small businesses are a crucial part of the U.S. economy — more than 99% of the businesses in the country are small businesses — and their impact to local economies is just as important.
A new study from SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company, reveals the places in each state with the strongest small business presence.
The study measures IRS data on the number of small businesses operating in each county, how much income they generate and what they pay in taxes.
According to the study, Fulton County ranked a surprising second in the top places in Georgia. The top place for small business presence in Georgia goes to Oconee County, which has a population of almost 33,000 residents.
For a look at how some of the top counties in Georgia performed, check out the table below:
| Rank | County | Small Business Returns | Small Business Income | Income Taxes | Small Business Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oconee, GA | 35.59% | 16.85% | $10,906 | 57.40 |
| 2 | Fulton, GA | 34.99% | 12.98% | $10,906 | 53.60 |
| 3 | Gwinnett, GA | 36.35% | 10.20% | $10,906 | 53.19 |
| 4 | Greene, GA | 33.45% | 12.39% | $10,906 | 51.15 |
| 5 | Morgan, GA | 33.30% | 10.82% | $10,906 | 49.71 |
| 6 | Fannin, GA | 32.59% | 10.48% | $10,906 | 48.54 |
| 7 | Cobb, GA | 32.91% | 9.80% | $10,906 | 48.42 |
| 8 | DeKalb, GA | 33.50% | 8.35% | $10,906 | 48.05 |
| 9 | Rabun, GA | 32.26% | 9.41% | $10,906 | 47.27 |
| 10 | Forsyth, GA | 31.30% | 9.95% | $10,906 | 46.44 |
Additional study details, including the methodology and interactive map, can be found here: https://smartasset.com/checking-account/savings-calculator#Georgia
