2-year job category analysis 
All 50 states + D.C.
Executive summary
KeyMe Locksmiths analyzed more than 16.4 million key duplication transactions recorded over a two-year period across
kiosks installed at retail partners nationwide, including Walmart, Menards, and Kroger locations. The goal: identify which
states show the highest demand for spare keys, and understand what's driving the differences between them.The data points to a consistent story. Demand is highest in states with sprawling suburban housing, long car-dependent
commutes, and high rates of multi-vehicle ownership — concentrated heavily in the Southeast and Midwest. Dense,
transit-oriented Northeastern states consistently underperform their population size, while newer-build Sun Belt and West
Coast markets show early signs of softening demand tied to keyless entry adoption.
Key Findings
Florida leads the nation in total spare key duplication volume, with over 1.6 million transactions in the two-year period — driven by a large, spread-out population, high car dependency, and a significant seasonal or second-home resident base.
The Southeast and Midwest dominate nationwide demand, together representing 67.8% of all duplication volume, despite holding a smaller share of the total U.S. population than the coasts.
Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin punch far above their population weight suggesting suburban and exurban household structure — not just population size — is a major demand driver.
The Northeast consistently underperforms its population size, with New York and New Jersey generating far fewer duplications per resident than Midwestern or Southeastern states of similar size.
Car-dependent Sun Belt states (FL, GA, TX, NC, TN) show strong, steady demand tied to commuting distance and vehicle volume rather than any single seasonal spike.
“People tend to think of a spare key as an emergency backup, but the data tells a different story — most duplication is proactive. It's a new driver in the household, a lockbox for a rental, a key left with a neighbor. The states with the most going on in terms of household complexity are the states generating the most volume.”
KeyMe Locksmiths Analyst
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Explore the Complete 9-Page Analysis
The complete 9-page analysis includes state rankings, regional comparisons, a New Jersey deep dive, consumer insights, FAQs, and a detailed methodology.
