New York City's business districts are concentrated in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with Manhattan dominating due to its central location and historical significance. Manhattan hosts the Financial District, Midtown, and Downtown, while Brooklyn features DUMBO and Williamsburg, and Queens includes Astoria and Long Island City. These areas account for over 80% of NYC's employment, driven by proximity to transportation hubs, corporate headquarters, and cultural institutions.

The concentration of business districts in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens stems from infrastructure, economic incentives, and historical development patterns. Manhattan's Midtown alone contributes 1.2 million jobs, primarily in finance, media, and retail, supported by subway access and commercial real estate tax incentives. Brooklyn's DUMBO and Williamsburg have seen gentrification, attracting tech startups and creative firms, with DUMBO generating $15 billion in annual revenue and Williamsburg hosting 25,000 jobs in 2022 (NYC Economic Development Corporation). Queens' Astoria and Long Island City benefit from immigrant entrepreneurship and proximity to JFK Airport, employing 40,000 and 30,000 people, respectively, in sectors like logistics and manufacturing.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2021) shows that 68% of NYC's businesses are located in these three boroughs, reflecting their role as economic anchors. Lower Manhattan and Lower Brooklyn, though smaller, are vital for fintech and arts, with 12,000 jobs in tech startups (Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce). High real estate costs in Manhattan have pushed growth to outer boroughs, but Manhattan remains central to global finance and media. The MTA's subway network ensures connectivity, reducing logistical costs for businesses. In 2023, NYCEDC reported that 55% of corporate HQs in the U.S. are within 20 miles of Manhattan, reinforcing its dominance. These factors collectively explain the geographic clustering of NYC's business districts.