Jackson Heights Economy Is Booming, NY Comptroller Study Finds

JACKSON HEIGHTS, QUEENS — Business is booming in Jackson Heights thanks to the neighborhood's dynamic immigrant community, a new study from the New York state comptroller's office found.

Businesses have flocked to Jackson Heights since the end of the recession in 2009, driving an increase in jobs and residents' median household income, according to the economic snapshot released Thursday.

"The greater Jackson Heights area's large, vibrant immigrant community is the driving force behind the local economy," the report says. "With its cultural diversity, strong entrepreneurial spirit and proximity to Manhattan, the neighborhood continues to attract new residents and visitors."

The greater Jackson Heights area — which includes East Elmhurst and North Corona — gained 4,000 private-sector jobs and 660 new businesses between 2009 and 2018, the study says.

Retail is the neighborhood's largest employment sector, accounting for more than a fifth of private-sector jobs.

Salaries rose 15 percent to $42,400 during the same period, but that's still lower than the $50,300 average salary for all of Queens.

Although the number of jobs has increased as more businesses open, rising rents have caused high turnover, according to the report.

Read the full economic snapshot here.