Most Profitable States and Cities for Solo Founders in 2025

This report details the profitability of solo founders across the United States in 2025, highlighting the most lucrative states and cities for self-employed individuals. It identifies Delaware as the most profitable state, with an average post-expense profit of $47,838, while Dover, DE, ranks as the top city with an impressive profit of $66,263. The report utilizes data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Forbes’ Cost of Living Index to analyze average earnings and living costs for solopreneurs. It outlines key findings, including the ranking of states such as Wyoming and North Dakota, which follow Delaware in profitability. The analysis also discusses the financial implications of location for solo business owners, emphasizing how factors like taxes and living expenses directly impact net income. The methodology section explains the calculations used to derive profit estimates, providing a comprehensive view of the solopreneur landscape in the U.S. for the year 2025.