Many cultural and recreational opportunities are available because of Ellsworth's proximity to Ames. Rose's Cafe is open to serve breakfast and lunch. It is located on Highway 175. The Catholic church is located in Jewell, three miles away. The primary crops grown in the Ellsworth area are corn and soybeans.
Some farmers also own cattle and hogs.
The hog industry has grown in recent years and a number of hog confinements have been erected, replacing what once was farm ground. Although there are fewer farmers than a generation ago, farming continues to be the predominate method of earning a living in rural central Iowa. Turkey farms once played a major part of Ellsworth's economy, but in recent years this has declined. Ellsworth has a Development Group and a Community Association. Both organizations work toward betterment of Ellsworth.