facebook twitter email print

Ithaca Metro Area

With a population just over 100,000, Ithaca is one of the smaller metropolitan areas in New York State. Located in the southern part of the state, Ithaca is home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, and education has long been the dominant industry in the local economy. As a college town, Ithaca has a fairly young and well-educated population, and that characteristic, combined with the presence of the area’s higher education institutions, has attracted innovative companies to the region. While both employment and population have generally grown at a faster pace than in most other parts of upstate New York, Ithaca is also among the most unequal places in the state.

Economic and Demographic Trends
Ithaca Binghamton* Elmira* New York State USA
Population1 106,000 247,000 84,000 20,201,000 331,449,000
Pop growth, 10-year change1 4.1% -1.8% -5.3% 4.2% 7.4%
GDP, billions1 $6 $11 $4 $1,725 $20,894
Job growth, 5-year change2 -6.2% -8.1% -8.0% -4.1% 1.2%
Median household income1 $63,800 $52,200 $53,000 $72,600 $67,000
Median home price1 $210,000 $125,000 $112,000 $350,000 $250,000
Pop share age 25+ with BA+1 52.4% 28.3% 26.2% 39.4% 35.1%


1 2020

2 2021

* Neighboring Metros

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; IPUMS USA-University of Minnesota. Data retrieved through data.census.gov, Moody's Economy.com, or directly from source.



Reports & Analysis
Regional Employment Trends (March 10, 2023)
Richard Deitz's Briefing on Regional Economic Conditions (March 7, 2023, New York State)
Press Briefing: Employment and Housing Conditions in the Second District (Nov 10, 2022)
A Look at the New York-Northern New Jersey Region’s Pandemic Housing Boom (Nov 10, 2022)
Jaison Abel's Briefing on Economic Conditions in the Region (Nov 5, 2021)
Severe Supply Disruptions Are Impeding Business Activity in the Region (Oct 21, 2021)
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. You can learn more about how we use cookies by reviewing our Privacy Statement.   Close