Cornell University is Ithaca's largest employer. The local economy is powered by education and manufacturing. Tourism and high-tech also have significant roles in the economy. Other industries include dairy farming, agriculture and business machine manufacturing. Electronics, biotechnology and high-technology companies are becoming a bigger part of the economy. Tourism also adds to the economy.
Cornell University's Center for Manufacturing Enterprise and the National Nanofabrication Facility at the university help local companies grow. New companies are attracted to the area due to agriculture research, plant science and other research facilities.
Details regarding Ithaca, New York: The estimated median household income in 2007 was $25,000. The cost of living index in 2008 in Ithaca was near the nation's average. Regarding the adult residents, 58% have achieved a bachelor's degree or better.
Ithaca's top job providers:
- Cornell University
- Borg-Warner Automotive
- Ithaca City School District
- Ithaca College
- Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca
- Tompkins County
- Emerson Power Transmission
- Wegman's Food Markets
- TPG Printers, Inc
- Lakeside Nursing Home Inc
- The Cbord Group Inc
- Target Corporation
- NCR Corporation
- Therm, Incorporated
- Stork H&E Turbo Blading
- United States Postal Service
- Tompkins County Trust Company
- Tetra Tech, Inc
- Borg Warner Automotive
- Ithaca Space Systems
- Ithaca Peripherals
Ithaca's primary nonagricultural employment segments:
- Education
- Healthcare
- Government
- Trade, transportation and utilities
- Manufacturing
- Leisure and hospitality
Organizations that provide information and assistance to businesses located in Ithaca include:
- Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce
- Empire State Development
- New York State Economic Development
- New York State Small Business Development Center
News regarding the local business community is provided by the Ithaca Journal.