About 20% of U.S. Businesses Reported Using AI in a Business Function in 2026
The Fact
The Census Bureau's Business Trends and Outlook Survey found that 19.8% of U.S. businesses reported using AI in a business function as of May 3, 2026. Use was 37% among firms with 250 or more employees and under 20% among firms with four or fewer.
What This Means
These numbers come from businesses reporting on themselves.
Why It Matters
Large employers — where many office jobs are — are adopting AI fastest.
Sources
U.S. Census Bureau. “Large Firms With at Least 20 Employees Biggest AI Users,” May 26, 2026. https://census.gov/library/stories/2026/05/ai-use-businesses.html
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