Google does not publish a number. There is no threshold where your business suddenly qualifies for the local pack. What matters is how your review count and rating compare to the businesses already ranking in your area for your keywords.
Check your competitors first
Search for your business type in your city. Look at the three businesses in the local pack. How many reviews do they have? What is their average rating? That is your real benchmark. If the top three businesses have 80, 120, and 200 reviews, you need to be in that range to compete — not at 15.
Rating matters more than count at low volumes
A 4.8-star business with 40 reviews often outperforms a 3.9-star business with 400 reviews. Both count and rating are signals, but at lower volumes, a strong rating helps more. As you grow your count, protect your rating by resolving problems before unhappy customers reach Google.
Review velocity is the underrated factor
A business that gets 10 reviews a month consistently signals activity and trust to Google. A business that got 200 reviews three years ago and has been quiet since is losing ground. Fresh reviews outperform old ones. Build a process that generates reviews every single month.
A practical target
Match the review count of the lowest-ranked business in your local pack, then aim to surpass the highest. If the local pack shows 40, 80, and 150 reviews, get to 40 first to compete, then build to 150 to lead.
Minimum viable standing: Most markets become competitive at 50+ reviews with a rating above 4.5. That is achievable for any business within a year with a consistent ask process.