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Iowa Compared

Compare and see why Iowa is the place to be

Iowa stands out as a top place to cultivate and grow both businesses and families.

Iowa not only has abundant business resources, but also the kind of lifestyle leaders and employees like you are looking for. Iowa’s corporate tax rate is transforming to be one of the most competitive in the nation – further reducing the cost of doing business here – and is the No. 3 state for opportunity according to the U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best States Ranking.

There’s a reason Iowa is capturing attention from around the world. From our business-friendly nature to our family-friendly communities and wallet-friendly cost of living, Iowa stands out as a top place for investment, innovation and a life well lived.

Investment happens here

Iowa outpaced the national average for bioscience and ag tech related venture capital dollars and deals by 150% from 2015 to 2021.

Iowa’s renewable chemical production tax credit – offering companies up to $1 million annually – is one of the strongest for the bio-based chemical industry.

Iowa created a record 33,000-plus NEW businesses in 2022.

Talent lives here

Iowa is the best place to source talent with industry expertise and our famous work ethic and loyalty. Iowa boasts the sixth-highest workforce participation rate, and our employees average 12 years, or three times more than the national average, with their employers.

Iowa has the highest concentration of agriculture engineers and the second-highest concentration of animal scientists in the U.S.

Iowa ranks best in the Midwest for its higher education and No. 2 in the country for 4-year college graduation rates.

There are more apprenticeship programs in Iowa than in any other state. There were a record more than 9,000 apprentices in Iowa in 2022.

People thrive here

Iowa’s housing costs are 11% lower than the national average and Iowa, at No. 6 overall, is the best state in the Midwest for affordable living.
Iowa is the 7th-best state – and the only Midwest state in the top 10 – for women’s economic and social well-being.
Iowa boasts more than 1,800 miles of surfaced bike trails, 250 golf courses and 53,000 acres of state park land – waiting to be explored.

Affordable business gets done here

Whether it’s building costs or ongoing operations and maintenance, your dollar just goes further in Iowa. In combination with one of the country’s best regulatory environments, it’s easy to see why we’re recognized as one of the most business-friendly states.

Construction costs are 18% lower and industrial rental rates are 15% lower in Iowa than the national average.

Historic tax reform means Iowa’s low cost of doing business is getting more affordable. The state’s corporate tax rate will be just 5.5% by 2026.

Cost-efficient renewable energy is a must and Iowa leads the nation – 64% of the state’s electricity is derived from renewable sources.

Want to learn more?

Looking for the best place to plant or grow your business? In our opinion, there’s no comparison. Iowa has unmatched advantages in our industry expertise, business resources, quality of life and more.