How a Regional Approach Boosts Growth in Greater Des Moines

Greater Des Moines offers a unique blend of urban, suburban and rural communities that create a dynamic environment for business expansion and relocation. This variety, combined with strategic transportation infrastructure, regional collaboration and a strong economic base, makes Greater Des Moines an attractive destination for companies seeking growth opportunities. 

Population Growth and Economic Strength 

With a population exceeding 885,000, Greater Des Moines is Iowa's most populous area. The region encompasses a range of communities, from the urban core of Iowa’s capital city, Des Moines, to rapidly growing suburbs and dynamic rural towns. This demographic mix provides businesses with access to a broad talent pool and a variety of living environments to attract and retain employees. 

Key industries driving Greater Des Moines' economy include insurance and financial services, advanced manufacturing, ag innovation, technology, logistics and data centers. The region's ability to support both large corporations and small businesses contributes to its resilient and diversified economic landscape. A few highlights from these key industries: 

• Greater Des Moines has the highest concentration of insurance employment in the United States. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) 
• Over 72,000 manufacturing workers are available in the laborshed area. (Iowa Workforce Development)
• Iowa is the number one producer of eggs, corn and red meat (including pork), as well as the #2 producer of soybeans. (USDA) 
• As a logistical sweet spot, there are more than 60 million people accessible within a 500-mile radius of Greater Des Moines. (Stats America)
• Greater Des Moines was named a top 25 up-and-coming tech market. (CBRE)

Collaboration between educational institutions, from high school to post-secondary, and employers, as well as robust job training programs and incentives for employers further support the talent pipeline in Greater Des Moines. 

The Greater Des Moines Region Footprint 

The Greater Des Moines region includes more than 25 urban, suburban and rural communities within a 12 county footprint. The variety of communities allows businesses to select locations that align with their operational needs and employee preferences, and transportation infrastructure allows quick and easy movement between communities, as well as across the country. Greater Des Moines is located at the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35, which span the United States in all four directions. 

Regional Collaboration and Support

Economic development organizations and offices within city and county governments operate across Greater Des Moines. The Greater Des Moines Partnership serves the entire region and works with more than 40 economic development partners in Greater Des Moines. Businesses looking to grow, expand or relocate benefit from this collaboration, as economic development in Greater Des Moines is backed by a team positioned to support business expansion and relocation opportunities. 

The Partnership’s collaborative approach brings together government entities, economic development offices, utilities, property owners and other players in the economic development space. This provides businesses with a single point of access to resources, incentives, information and a supportive network of experts that fosters thriving and growth.  This model produces growth for Greater Des Moines, and success for businesses: Since its inception in 1999, The Partnership and its collaborators have assisted over 750 businesses in locating or expanding within the region, resulting in the creation or retention of more than 37,000 jobs. 

Do Something Greater

Greater Des Moines is where businesses are finding their greater. Interested in seeing how it’s done and where you could plant your flag in Greater Des Moines?

Reach out to Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, to learn more about doing business in Greater Des Moines.