The impact of demographics on the membership level of member-owned private clubs

•This study examined the effect of demographic variables on private club membership.•Data from 302 private clubs in 30 major US cities were examined.•Findings indicate that demographic variables had an influence on: the number of full-privilege members at clubs; total initiation fees collected; average member spending amount; and total revenue.

This study examined the impact of demographics on the membership level of member owned private clubs. Specifically, the study analyzed the effect of demographic variables (number of: residents; owner occupied households; properties of over $300,000 in value; households with over $100,000 income; businesses; CEOs/executives/professionals) within a ten mile radius of sampled clubs. Findings indicate that demographic variables had an influence on the number of full-privilege members at clubs, total initiation fees collected, average member spending amount, and total revenue. Private clubs are encouraged to carefully and continuously assess the demographic profile of their locale, and develop strategies to leverage its demographics.