In its early days, the city's economic base
comprised the lumber, railroad, and ranching industries. Today, that has
largely been replaced by tourism, education, government, and transportation.
Some of the larger employers in Flagstaff are Northern Arizona University, the
Flagstaff Medical Center, and the Flagstaff Unified School District. Tourism is
a large contributor to the economy, as the city receives over 5 million
visitors per year.
Scientific and high tech research and
development operations are located in the city, including the Lowell
