ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A recent study reveals that one out of every 14 jobs in Rochester is connected to the University of Rochester (UR), while statewide, the figure stands at one in 126. The report, titled “Economic Engine and Community Catalyst,” was commissioned by UR to measure its economic influence using fiscal year 2024 data across operations, education, and healthcare services.
As the largest private employer in the region, UR supports 32,200 jobs within the city, 49,000 in Monroe County, and 66,700 across New York State. The institution employs approximately 39,000 individuals, reinforcing its role as a major workforce contributor.
David Linehan, CEO of the Medical Center, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and senior vice president for health sciences, emphasized the importance of employment in improving public health. He noted that UR Medicine, as both the area’s top employer and healthcare provider, has a duty to support career development across the communities it serves.
Analysis conducted by ESI Solutions, a consulting firm based in Philadelphia, found that UR’s activities generate $5.9 billion in economic impact within the city and $9.2 billion in Monroe County. The broader Finger Lakes and Southern Tier regions benefit from $11.8 billion in economic output, while the statewide total reaches $13 billion.
In 2024, the university recorded $6.8 billion in net operating expenses, with 59 percent allocated to wages and employee benefits. This underscores its significant role in income distribution and local spending.
Adam Bello, Monroe County executive, described UR and UR Medicine as foundational to regional prosperity, citing their contributions to healthcare, education, and research. He highlighted how these efforts not only stimulate economic activity but also elevate community well-being.
UR Medicine maintains a broad network, including eight hospitals, seven nursing homes, and numerous outpatient clinics. Annually, it handles over 5 million outpatient visits, 300,000 emergency department visits, and 74,000 hospital admissions. Its reputation for innovation and care extends beyond regional boundaries.
The report also spotlighted community health programs, such as free medical services for uninsured individuals. In 2024, UR Medicine absorbed $308 million in uncompensated care and charity services, along with nearly $170 million in subsidized health offerings, including affordable medications and mental health support for children.
Sarah Mangelsdorf, president of the University of Rochester, affirmed the institution’s dedication to strengthening the Greater Rochester area. She pointed to excellence in healthcare delivery, research innovation, and cultural contributions as key drivers of regional vitality.
Additional economic contributions include $312 million in capital investments within the city, $92 million in spending by students, patients, and visitors in the region, and a local wage premium of $79 million—reflecting higher earnings of college graduates compared to those without degrees.
The authors concluded that UR exemplifies how anchor institutions can simultaneously advance their core missions in education and research while fueling long-term economic development and generating substantial tax revenues.
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New report highlights UR’s economic impact – Rochester Beacon
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… n nOne in every 14 jobs in Rochester is tied to the University of Rochester, according to a report released Thursday. Statewide, that number is one in 126 jobs. n nTitled “Economic Engine and Community Catalyst,” the report, commissioned by UR, underscores the university’s economic impact in the region. It analyzes fiscal year 2024 data to quantify the institution’s economic footprint across operations, academics, and health care. n nUR is the area’s largest private employer, with 39,000 employees. It directly supports 32,200 jobs in the city, 49,000 in Monroe County, and 66,700 statewide. n n“No strategy to improve community health is more important than helping people obtain good-paying jobs with paths to career advancement,” says David Linehan, CEO of the Medical Center, dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and senior vice president for health sciences at UR. “The data in this report demonstrate our health system’s commitment to workforce development in all the communities we serve, which is our responsibility both as the region’s largest employer and health provider.” n nConsultants at Philadelphia’s ESI Solutions, which crunched the numbers, estimate that UR activity generates more than $5.9 billion in economic impact in the city and $9.2 billion in Monroe County. Regionally, in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier, the economic impact totals $11.8 billion; statewide, the figure is $13 billion. n nUR’s net operating expenses totaled $6.8 billion during 2024. Fifty-nine percent of its expenses are attributable to employee wages and benefits. n n“As Monroe County’s largest private employer and leading driver of economic growth, the University of Rochester and UR Medicine is an indispensable cornerstone institution of our region,” says Adam Bello, Monroe County executive. “Their expansive missions in health care, education, and research not only create a robust economic ecosystem but also enrich our community’s quality of life, making the university a truly transformative force.” n nThe university’s health system, UR Medicine, and its research prowess, have earned a national reputation. UR Medicine reported more than 5 million outpatient visits, 300,000 emergency room visits, and 74,000 hospital admissions annually across its eight hospitals, seven nursing homes, and clinical locations, according to the report. n nThe study also highlights UR Medicine’s community health initiatives, including free health care for uninsured patients. Data for 2024 include $308 million in uncompensated medical costs and charity care and nearly $170 million in subsidized health services, including low- or no-cost prescription drugs, and pediatric, mental and behavioral health. n n“We are unwavering in our commitment to strengthening and enriching the Greater Rochester community,” says Sarah Mangelsdorf, UR president. “By delivering the very best health care, driving research-based innovation, and celebrating musical and cultural vibrance, we enhance the lives of Rochesterians and people throughout Upstate New York. As the largest employer in the region, we are proud to work with our area partners to actively shape a more vibrant, resilient, and thriving community in which all can live, work, and flourish.” n nThe university’s economic impact extends to capital investments ($312 million in the city); student, patient and visitor spending ($92 million in the region); and to an alumni wage premium, or the average difference between the wages of college graduates and those with less education ($79 million in the city). n n“From supporting 1 in 14 jobs in Rochester to generating millions in tax revenues and providing essential health care services, the University demonstrates how anchor institutions can drive sustained economic growth while advancing their core missions of education, research, and service,” the report’s authors conclude. n nSmriti Jacob is Rochester Beacon managing editor. n nThe Beacon welcomes comments and letters from readers who adhere to our comment policy including use of their full, real name. See “Leave a Reply” below to discuss on this post. Comments of a general nature may be submitted to the Letters page by emailing [email protected].