Department of Economics
  at Ithaca College

In January 1985, the Index of Economic Activity in Tompkins County registered 100.00. In March 2008, the Index reads 153.71. This means that the County economy has grown 53.71 percent in those 279 months.

From 1985 until 1989, the County economy grew at a rapid clip. The average annual growth rate was 6.3 percent.  The Index of Economic Activity reached a peak of 135.32 in March 1989. A recession brought the Index down to a level of 115.75 in March 1992. This 36 month slide was much longer and more severe than the national recession which lasted only 16 months. Since then, the County economy has recovered, but annual growth rates of 1.5 percent are more typical these days.

2007 registered a growth rate of 0.9 percent. Look for the County economy to grow by 1.0 percent in 2008. The all time high for the Index of Economic Activity is 156.70, its reading in January 2008.  

Maintained by Elia Kacapyr (kacapyr@ithaca.edu)
Last updated 4/25/08