Private Security Industry Grows into $50 Billion Market Amid Rising Demand
The private security industry in the United States has grown significantly over the past decade, reaching a market value of just over $50 billion by 2025. Despite an overall decline in violent crime rates, high-profile incidents have driven increased demand for protection services from companies like Allied Universal. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 1.3 million Americans worked as security guards in May 2025 — a rise of about 16% since 2016. In neighborhoods such as San Diego’s Hillcrest, local business associations have invested hundreds of thousands annually to hire private security for daily patrols and are planning further increases due to rising concerns over safety. Steve Amitay from the National Association of Security Companies notes that societal divisions have made even routine gatherings feel vulnerable to violence, prompting more reliance on outsourced protection services. Allied Universal is at the center of this growth with annual revenue around $23 billion and operations in 100 countries. The company serves over 80% of Fortune 500 companies and supports major global events like the World Cup.
Topics: crime statistics economic growth labor market private security