ROCKLAND'S KEY INDUSTRIES

Biotech and Life Sciences

Rockland County is home to numerous companies that focus on development and manufacturing in the Biotech and Life Sciences industry. With available properties, a highly skilled workforce, and higher than average median income for these jobs, the county is well-positioned for growth in this area. 

Notably, Pfizer currently occupies 23 acres within the Hudson Valley iCampus located in Pearl River, where the company developed its COVID-19 vaccine. In 2022, the company announced a $470 million expansion, which is expected to add 150 new jobs.¹ 

Source: 1. Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News, 2023.

Advanced Manufacturing

Advanced manufacturing is another thriving sector in Rockland County, spanning across a broad spectrum of companies - from family-owned businesses like Caribbean Food Delights (the leading Caribbean frozen food manufacturer of Jamaican-style patties) to global brands such as Daikin America (leader in the development, manufacture and sales of fluoromaterials). 

Over the past 15 years, manufacturing jobs in the county grew by 27%.¹ There is great potential for continued growth in this sector, with available properties that are appropriately zoned and ready for new uses.  

Source: 1. New York State Department of Labor, 2007-2021.

Healthcare & Social Assistance

The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector in Rockland County accounts for close to 33,000 jobs (or 27% of all jobs), more than any other sector in the county.¹ Over the past 15 years, jobs in this sector grew in the county by 83%.¹  While the healthcare sector struggles overall to fill jobs, Rockland County is well-positioned to support growth in this industry.

The County is also proud of the fact that Rockland Community College has the #2 nursing program in New York State.²  Furthermore, of all degrees awarded by institutions of higher education in the county, the highest number of degrees after Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities are in Health Professions and Related Programs.³ 

Sources: 1. New York State Department of Labor, 2007-2021. 2. www.nursingorg.com. 3. National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System.

Hospitality & Tourism

With its unique mix of diverse natural, cultural and historic assets, it’s no wonder that Hospitality & Tourism is one of Rockland County's leading industry sectors. In fact, the average household in Rockland County would have to pay an additional $556 in yearly property taxes to maintain current services if not for tourism-generated sales and local taxes.¹  

Visitors to Rockland County spend directly on accommodations, recreation, food and beverage, retail shopping, transportation and more. In 2021, total visitor spending in the Hudson Valley region was $3.8 billion. Rockland County accounted for $422 million with a breakdown as follows:¹

• $96M (23%) Lodging
• $46.8M (11%) Recreation
• $173.4M (41%) Food & Beverage
• $75.6M (18%) Retail & Service Stations
• $26.2M (6%) Transportation
• $4M (1%) Second Homes

Source: 1. Economic Impact of Visitors in New York-Hudson Valley Focus, 2021.

Financial and Professional Services

Proximity to New York City makes Rockland County a great location for workers in these industries which include finance, law, insurance, and other services. Furthermore, post-pandemic, as firms have lessened their physical footprint in New York City, many of these workers continue to opt for remote work, both part-time and full-time.   

Construction Services

In line with New York State's anticipation of construction as a high-growth target industry, Rockland County can also anticipate an increase in activity in this sector. In the past 15 years, the total number of establishments in the county's construction sector increased by 45%.¹  Additionally, construction jobs are among the highest paid in the county, with an average wage of $72,000.¹ Construction is an industry to watch in Rockland.

Source: 1. New York State Department of Labor, 2007-2021.