Local search drives real-world revenue, but the numbers behind it are scattered across dozens of studies. We've pulled the local SEO statistics that actually matter for 2026, what they mean, and where to act on them. Figures here are aggregated from widely cited industry studies and Locafy's own AI Search Visibility Report; treat them as directional benchmarks for planning, not precise guarantees.
The Map Pack & Local Search
- The Google Map Pack captures roughly 44% of clicks on local search result pages, the top three local results take the lion's share of attention.
- The Map Pack appears in about 93% of searches with local intent, making it the default battleground for local visibility.
- A large share of "near me" and local searches lead to contact or a visit within 24 hours, local intent is high-intent.
AI Search Is Reshaping Local Discovery
- Google AI Overviews now appear in roughly 30 to 50 percent of US searches, often pushing traditional results down the page.
- In Locafy's own analysis, Google's AI surfaces (AI Overviews + AI Mode) cite local-SEO brands more than ChatGPT and Copilot combined, see the AI Search Visibility Report.
- AI citation share is extremely uneven, the top brand in our study earned roughly 260x more citations than the bottom, rewarding early movers in Answer Engine Optimization.
Reviews & Reputation
- The overwhelming majority of consumers read online reviews before choosing a local business, and review signals are a well-established local ranking factor.
- Review recency and velocity matter, a steady flow of new Google reviews outperforms a stale pile of old ones.
- Businesses that respond to reviews are viewed more favorably and tend to earn more of them over time, see the review management guide.
What These Numbers Mean for You
The throughline: local visibility concentrates at the top, in the Map Pack, in AI answers, and among businesses with strong, fresh review profiles. The practical move is to win the local SEO fundamentals (profile, citations, reviews) and layer AEO on top so you're cited in the AI surfaces that are taking an increasing share of local discovery.
Want to know how your business stacks up against these benchmarks? Book a free local SEO audit and we'll show you exactly where you stand in the Map Pack and AI search.
Local SEO Statistics FAQ
What percentage of clicks does the Google Map Pack get?
The Map Pack captures roughly 44% of clicks on local search result pages, with the top three positions taking the majority. That's why ranking in the Map Pack is the highest-leverage local SEO goal.
How common are AI Overviews in search results?
Google AI Overviews appear in roughly 30 to 50 percent of US searches and the share is rising, especially for informational and local-intent queries. Locafy's AI Search Visibility Report tracks how local-SEO brands are cited across AI surfaces.
Where do these statistics come from?
They are aggregated from widely cited public local-SEO studies and Locafy's own AI-citation research. They're directional benchmarks for planning; we link or provide sources on request.
Written by
Jason JacksonChief Operating Officer, Locafy Limited
COO at Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY). Builds and operates AEO systems for local businesses. Founded Growth Pro Agency before joining Locafy via acquisition.