Population

According to the most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures, Iowa’s estimated population is 2,966,334, ranking Iowa 30th in population.

Largest cities:

Des Moines
Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Sioux City
Waterloo
Iowa City
Council Bluffs
Dubuque
Ames
West Des Moines

In the United States, Iowa ranks:

First in pork production
First in corn production
First in egg production
Second in soybean production
Second in red meat production

Education

The foundation of Iowa’s thriving economy lies in quality public education and strong colleges and universities. Learn more about Iowa's top educational institutions.

Industry

IOWA is the perfect place to expand, relocate or start a business. Strong growth in biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and information solutions/financial services sectors combined with a central location; convenient transportation; a highly educated and productive workforce; advanced infrastructure; abundant raw materials; and a pro-business state government all await you.

Agriculture

• Iowa’s total cash receipts for farm commodities in 2003 totaled $12.6 billion – the third highest in the country.
• About 89 percent of the land area in the state is in farms.
• Iowa has nearly 400 certified organic operations, with approximately 100,000 acres of farmland under organic management.
• There were more than 180 farmers markets in Iowa for the 2004 growing season, ranking our state third in the nation in number of markets, and first in number of markets per capita. (Source: Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Horticulture and Farmers’ Market Bureau)
• Iowa’s bee hives produced 1.89 million pounds of honey in 2003, with value of production totaling $2.7 million.
• There are more than 300 commercial vineyards and 56 wineries in Iowa. Iowa wineries produced 123,000 gallons of wine in 2005 and grape growers had over 600 acres of grapes planted.
• Iowa is first in the nation in number of acres set aside as riparian buffers, grassed waterways, contour buffer strips, field borders and other buffers on private farmlands – reducing soil erosion, protecting water quality and stabilizing stream banks. As of January 31, 2005, Iowa had 469,794 acres enrolled in these conservation programs.
• Iowa produces more ethanol per year than any other state – 840.5 million gallons annually now, with six more plants under construction that will produce another 275 million gallons per year.