The laundromat business thrives on location, with success often determined by proximity to the right customer demographics. With urbanization trends, shifting renter behaviors, and evolving technology, the optimal locations for laundromats in 2025 reflect these changes. Here’s a detailed look at the best locations for laundromats and the data-driven reasons behind their success.
1. Urban Centers with High Population Density
Why It Works: Urban centers have dense populations and limited access to in-home laundry facilities. Many residents live in multi-family housing units or rental apartments, making laundromats a necessity.
Data Insight:
- Renters are the primary users of laundromats, and 65% of urban households are renters (Statista, 2025).
- Urban areas have smaller living spaces, leaving little room for washers and dryers.
Examples:
- Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago have neighborhoods with a high percentage of renters.
- Areas near public transit hubs ensure easy access for customers.
Tip: Focus on areas near large apartment complexes or college dormitories. Proximity to transit lines is a bonus.
2. Suburban Areas with Growing Rental Markets
Why It Works: The suburban rental market is expanding as young professionals and families seek affordable housing outside city centers. Suburban renters often lack in-home laundry facilities, creating demand for laundromats.
Data Insight:
- Suburban rentals grew by 15% between 2020 and 2025, with 40% of renters in suburbs relying on laundromats (Urban Institute).
Examples:
- Suburbs of major metropolitan areas like Atlanta, Dallas, and Denver.
- Areas with new multi-family housing developments.
Tip: Scout suburban areas with growing populations and new housing developments, particularly those marketed to middle-income renters.
3. College Towns
Why It Works: Students typically live in dormitories or shared apartments without laundry facilities. Their busy schedules and high laundry needs make laundromats a staple service.
Data Insight:
- A single college campus can generate 5,000–20,000 potential laundromat users annually.
- Students prefer laundromats that offer Wi-Fi, quick wash cycles, and study-friendly environments.
Examples:
- Cities like Ann Arbor (University of Michigan), Berkeley (UC Berkeley), and Austin (University of Texas).
Tip: Offer features that cater to students, such as free Wi-Fi, student discounts, and late-night hours.
4. Military Bases and Surrounding Areas
Why It Works: Military personnel and their families often live in temporary housing or barracks without laundry facilities. Laundromats near bases serve a steady, loyal customer base.
Data Insight:
- The average military base houses 10,000+ personnel and families, with many relying on off-base laundromats (Military Times).
Examples:
- Areas near Fort Bragg, NC, and Fort Hood, TX.
Tip: Ensure your laundromat is accessible, offers large-capacity machines, and has extended hours to accommodate military schedules.
5. Tourist Destinations
Why It Works: Tourists staying in short-term rentals or motels often need laundry services, especially in areas catering to long-term travelers like backpackers or families.
Data Insight:
- A study found that 35% of tourists staying longer than one week seek laundry facilities during their trip.
Examples:
- Resort towns like Orlando, FL, or Aspen, CO.
- Coastal cities with heavy tourism like Miami, FL, or San Diego, CA.
Tip: Add convenient amenities like detergent vending machines, quick cycles, and multi-language instructions for international tourists.
6. Areas with High Immigrant Populations
Why It Works: Immigrant families often rely on laundromats due to rental housing and cultural preferences for washing large loads.
Data Insight:
- Immigrant-heavy neighborhoods show a 20% higher laundromat usage rate than the national average (Pew Research).
Examples:
- Cities like Houston, TX; Queens, NY; or San Francisco, CA.
Tip: Create a welcoming environment by offering multilingual signage, culturally tailored promotions, and affordable pricing.
7. Low-Income Neighborhoods
Why It Works: Households in low-income neighborhoods often lack in-home laundry facilities. Laundromats provide an essential service in these areas.
Data Insight:
- Over 25% of households earning under $30,000 annually use laundromats regularly (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Examples:
- Inner-city neighborhoods in Detroit, MI, or Baltimore, MD.
Tip: Ensure pricing is affordable, and consider offering loyalty programs or discounts.
8. Industrial Zones with Blue-Collar Workers
Why It Works: Workers in industries like manufacturing, construction, or food service often need to clean heavily soiled uniforms and workwear.
Data Insight:
- Industrial zones with high blue-collar employment have 50% more laundromat demand (Coin Laundry Association).
Examples:
- Industrial hubs like Gary, IN, or Pittsburgh, PA.
Tip: Invest in heavy-duty washers and dryers that can handle large, soiled loads.
9. Areas with Natural Disasters or Weather Challenges
Why It Works: Locations prone to natural disasters or extreme weather often see higher laundromat usage due to temporary housing or equipment damage.
Data Insight:
- After Hurricane Ida, laundromat usage in Louisiana increased by 40% for 6 months (FEMA).
Examples:
- Coastal areas prone to hurricanes or inland regions with frequent flooding.
Tip: Equip your laundromat with emergency power sources and partner with local agencies for disaster relief.
10. Near Large Retirement Communities
Why It Works: Seniors in retirement communities often seek affordable, accessible laundry services.
Data Insight:
- Retirement communities with over 1,000 residents generate significant laundromat traffic, as many seniors prefer outside laundry services.
Examples:
- Florida’s retirement hubs like The Villages.
Tip: Design your laundromat to be senior-friendly with accessible machines, comfortable seating, and bright lighting.
Conclusion
The best locations for laundromats in 2025 reflect changes in population trends, rental markets, and customer preferences. Urban centers, suburban neighborhoods, college towns, and military areas remain lucrative, but emerging opportunities exist in tourist destinations, low-income neighborhoods, and retirement communities. By understanding your target demographic and local market, you can select a location that maximizes your laundromat’s success.
