Which local services is Richmond city, VA short of?

4 home-service categories, each counted per 10,000 residents and compared against the national rate. 2 have fewer businesses per resident than the country average; 1 has more. Counts include sole proprietors.

• Exterior & Building Services4 with employees + 44 without = 48 · 2.1 per 10k vs 4.1 nationally
  2.0× fewerFewer than average
• Landscaping & Lawn Care39 with employees + 234 without = 273 · 11.8 per 10k vs 18.2 nationally
  1.5× fewerFewer than average
• Cleaning Services45 with employees + 643 without = 688 · 29.9 per 10k vs 32.7 nationally
  1.1× fewerAbout average
• Pet Care11 with employees + 196 without = 207 · 9.0 per 10k vs 4.7 nationally
  1.9× moreMore than average

What this doesn't tell you: These counts measure how many businesses exist, not how many customers want one. Fewer of something can mean an opening — or that there is less local demand for it. Treat a low number as a lead to check, not a verdict.

Sources: US Census County Business Patterns ↗ (businesses with employees) and Nonemployer Statistics ↗ (sole proprietors). Every figure here is the two added together.