Buffalo

Share of jobs in strong industries: 38.2%
Number of workers: 110,741
Metro area unemployment rate: 6%
Agriculture jobs: 0.15%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical jobs (legal, accounting etc.): 4.33%
Education jobs: 10.76%
Health-care jobs: 17.64%
Public Administration (Government) jobs: 5.32%

Buffalo is known for its blue-collar roots and its low cost of living. But it also has a diverse employment base, which is less and less dependent on manufacturing. It is home to banks and other financial institutions. But it also has become a hub for debt collection—a lucrative industry in this economic climate. Education and health care play a big part in the economy. The city is home to the University at Buffalo and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.