Franchise Statistics Bureau · 2026-02
What are the fastest-growing franchise sectors in 2026?
Figures are published by third parties, compiled as-is, and may change. We do not independently verify the underlying data — check the source before acting on it. For reference only; not legal, tax, or investment advice.
3.2%
projected growth
Child services and commercial & residential services lead all franchise sectors with 3.2% projected growth in 2026.
Health and wellness has become the third-largest franchised industry, accounting for 11.8% of total franchise establishments, which FRANdata links to rising awareness of preventive healthcare since the pandemic (IFA/FRANdata).
What this figure measures
The figure is the projected year-over-year growth rate for 2026 shared by two business lines, child services and commercial and residential services. In the report's table, the rates describe franchise output by business line, in billions of US dollars. Child services covers childcare, day care, preschools and education centres; commercial and residential services covers maintenance, home decor, design and remodelling, and building and construction services.
How it was produced
The ranking comes from the industry forecasts in FRANdata's 2026 Franchising Economic Outlook for the International Franchise Association. Each growth rate compares FRANdata's estimate of a business line's 2025 output with its projection for 2026, drawn from the same proprietary model used for the national totals. The executive summary attributes the lead of these two lines to resilient and need-based consumer demand.
What it does not tell you
A growth rate says nothing about size. In the report's output table child services is one of the smallest business lines, while quick service restaurants are by far the largest, so a high percentage can rest on a small base. The ranking uses the report's own industry groupings and covers US franchising only. The remark about preventive healthcare refers to the health and wellness sector's share of establishments, not to growth.
Related statistics
Turn data into a decision
See which franchises fit your budget and country — matched, not sold.