seven Factors That Set Greater Des Moines Apart for Economic Development

In Greater Des Moines (DSM), you'll find that:

• The cost of doing business is 14.6% lower than the national average. (Moody’s Analytics. 2025)

• A place that ranks in the top 10 spots for business and careers. (Forbes, 2024) 

• The fastest growing major metro in the Midwest. (2023 U.S. Census Data) 

Businesses seek out the Greater Des Moines region for its low cost of doing business, collaborative environment, community focus and prime sites. Major companies like Principal, Wells Fargo, EMC Insurance Companies, Meta, Microsoft and John Deere have grown in DSM and startups and expanding companies find an environment they can put down roots and scale.

Here are seven key factors that lead to DSM earning accolades and favorable measures and make it a prime climate for doing business:

1. Robust Site Options. DSM includes urban, suburban and rural communities. This gives businesses a range of available sites for relocation or expansion projects. 

2. And Readily Available Site Data. Data drives decisions and DSM RFI Ready is rooted in data. The program has a select portfolio of locations that are not only development-ready but also have the key data points documented and readily accessible for site consideration. 

3. Location. At the crossroads of Interstates 80 and 35, DSM is at the heart of the United States and is directly reachable from all directions. DSM is served by three Class I railroads. A regional transload facility can be accessed by these three railroads, as well as a short line service. The facility also houses on-site warehousing and outdoor storage. Over 500 truck transportation establishments operate within the region and Iowa as a state ranks fourth for the highest concentration of truck drivers (Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

4. Cost Advantages. Costs also weigh on the site and location decision. Overall, the cost of doing business in DSM is 14.6% below the national average, according to Moody’s Analytics, and energy costs are 22% below the national average.  Tax advantages and incentives also make the region fiscally attractive. Recent tax reform legislation phases down the corporate income tax, with a target rate of 5.5% and the Iowa Economic Development Authority and local governments like cities and counties offer incentive programs to support business growth.  

5. Educated and Engaged Workforce.  The Des Moines-West Des Moines Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) has a 71.4% labor force participation rate, compared to the 62.6% national average reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Forty percent of workers in the MSA have a bachelor's degree or higher and over half of residents aged 25 to 64 have an associate's degree or higher. DSM attracts new talent as well: it is the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest, a position the region has held for 41 years. DSM’s low cost of living and distinct character of life pairs affordability with life-enriching cultural, community and recreational opportunities in a safe, centrally located region.

6. Community Collaboration DSM is a connected community and leaders from the private, public, education and nonprofit sectors work together to support growth and opportunity. The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the region’s economic development organization and serves as a single point of contact for businesses looking to expand their operations. The Partnership covers 12 counties and more than two dozen municipalities and works with local economic development partners, businesses, elected officials and government entities to advance regional growth.

7. Community Insights. For site selectors and those looking at business expansion opportunities, this collaboration translates into insights. The Partnership team of experts can provide data and statistics and business climate information and insights into site selection and incentive options from across a broad range of locations. As a convener of leaders and entities from across the region, The Partnership also serves provide a pathway of introduction to utilities, city and county economic developers and other key roles that businesses interact with in their expansion and growth journeys.