Small businesses are a crucial part of the U.S. economy — more than 99 percent of the businesses in the country are small businesses — and their impact to local economies is just as important. A new study from SmartAsset, a New York financial technology company, reveals the places in each state with the strongest small business presence. The study measures IRS data on the number of small businesses operating in each county, how much income they generate and what they pay in taxes.
According to the study, Deschutes County ranked among the top places in Oregon. For a look at how some of the top counties in Oregon performed, check out the table below:
| Rank | County | Small Business Returns | Small Business Income | Income Taxes | Small Business Index |
| 1 | Wheeler, OR | 39.29% | 3.63% | $12,582 | 34.11 |
| 2 | Wallowa, OR | 35.49% | 8.18% | $12,582 | 32.74 |
| 3 | Deschutes, OR | 29.57% | 14.62% | $12,582 | 30.07 |
| 4 | Hood River, OR | 27.32% | 10.76% | $12,582 | 24.13 |
| 5 | Curry, OR | 24.66% | 10.82% | $12,582 | 20.73 |
| 6 | Clackamas, OR | 24.36% | 11.00% | $12,582 | 20.48 |
| 7 | Harney, OR | 27.65% | 5.46% | $12,582 | 20.44 |
| 8 | Sherman, OR | 27.91% | 4.36% | $12,582 | 19.91 |
| 9 | Jackson, OR | 23.77% | 11.15% | $12,582 | 19.85 |
| 10 | Multnomah, OR | 24.32% | 10.04% | $12,582 | 19.68 |
Additional study details, including the methodology and interactive map, can be found here: smartasset.com/checking-account/savings-calculator#Oregon.
