Comptroller Report: Southeast Queens Jobs Rise 14.3% Over Decade

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s office released an economic snapshot of southeast Queens on Friday, October 23, detailing a decade of private-sector growth. The report covers the neighborhoods of Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, and Howard Beach, analyzing economic data from 2014 through 2024. Officials presented the findings to show how these communities have changed over the past ten years.

The data indicates a 14.3% increase in private-sector jobs between 2014 and 2024. Private-sector businesses in the area grew by 16.2% during the same period. DiNapoli’s office described the region as having much to be excited about, citing these sustained gains in employment and commercial activity as key indicators of local strength.

Household financial metrics in the region outperform borough and city averages. The median household income across the area reached $88,967 in 2024. This figure exceeds the median income for Queens and the wider city. Poverty levels in the region also remain lower than broader averages, with 12.6% of households below the poverty line in 2024. This is less than the 14.1% average for Queens and the 17.9% citywide average.

Recent trends show a slight dip in employment and business numbers. Jobs in the area dropped by 1.8% between 2024 and 2025. Private businesses fell by 2.6% during that same period. In 2024, nearly two-thirds of the area’s jobs were located in Richmond Hill and Woodhaven. Residents worked across six different sectors, with healthcare and social assistance employing 19.2% of the local workforce.

Population statistics reveal a sharp decline despite economic growth. The area’s population fell by 10.9% between 2014 and 2024. This drop far exceeds the borough-wide average of 0.2%. Households with children under age 18 also decreased by 10.2% over the decade, nearly double the citywide average of 5.9%. Homeownership remains high, with 58.2% of residents living in their own property in 2024, well above the 44.8% borough average.

Housing costs continue to pressure local families. A larger share of households in southeast Queens pays more than 30% of their income on housing than the wider borough and city. Renters in the area face higher burdens as well, with a slightly increased share paying over 30% of their income for rent and utilities compared to the rest of New York City.

Major infrastructure projects are expected to drive future investment. The report points to the $19 billion transformation of JFK Airport and the $5.5 billion Resorts World NYC casino project. Officials noted that investment is likely to continue, particularly in Ozone Park and Howard Beach. Plans for housing at Aqueduct Racetrack and resiliency projects at Jamaica Bay are also part of the region’s development pipeline.

Local leaders reacted to the findings with mixed perspectives. DiNapoli highlighted rising income, declining poverty, and the new cancer center at Jamaica Hospital. He also noted that crime rates remain higher than pre-pandemic levels through the first half of 2026. Queens Borough President Donovan Richards said the report shows prosperity but warned that housing costs threaten to fracture neighborhoods. U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks called the local economy a source of real strength and power, citing steady job growth and homeownership rates.

The report concludes that community input is essential for the sustainability of long-term projects. DiNapoli emphasized that continued attention is required to address climate change and crime. Richards stated that the communities of Richmond Hill and Ozone Park embody the working-class and immigrant spirits of New York City. Meeks attributed the area’s quality of life improvements to the hard work and dedication of local residents.