EConomic Climate

What makes Greater Des Moines (DSM) an excellent location for expanding and growing businesses? Here, you'll find a highly skilled workforce, low utility rates, a business-friendly climate, collaborative local governments and superb infrastructure. It all adds up to a prime location for business.

Additionally, DSM continues to experience a high level of momentum as the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest, outpacing peer metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) Chicago, Kansas City, Omaha, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and St. Louis (U.S. Census). With a 2024 Census estimate of 885,796, the 12-county region’s population has consistently grown 1.3% on average each year since 2010. The region encompasses Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines, growing suburbs and dynamic small towns and rural communities.