Where Business Thrives and Families Flourish: That’s the Western Iowa Advantage!

It’s easy to feel the difference in Western Iowa: clean air, uncongested highways, low crime and friendly neighborhoods are the norm in our communities.

Western Iowa’s picturesque landscape of rolling hills, lakes and river trails provide the perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, kayaking and canoeing, or just relaxing.

And each of our unique, rural communities within each of our seven counties offer quality schools, low crime, and top-notch healthcare facilities; vibrant, growing towns with a diverse array of both local and national retailers, restaurants, hotels and more.

Tired of the High Cost of Living? Save More, Live Better in Western Iowa

In contrast to the frenetic hustle of an urban lifestyle, Western Iowa presents a refreshing change of pace while still maintaining a strong connection to the rest of the world.

When you crave a little urban excursion, you can get to Omaha and Sioux Falls, South Dakota within a few hours. And we’re a comfortable day’s drive to the bright lights of metro areas like Des Moines (198 miles), Kansas City (279 miles) and Minneapolis (272 miles).

Even better? Housing in Western Iowa is substantially more affordable than the rest of the nation, with median home values hovering between $150,000 to $225,000, roughly 30-50% less than the U.S. average.

Higher Education That Won’t Break the Bank

Western Iowa also has a strong education system, with many of our schools boasting smaller classrooms to ensure a more personalized learning experience.

Upon graduation, students can choose from a variety of professional development tracks, whether they want to pursue an associates degree, certificate, or industry-specific training programs through:

• Iowa Central Community College
• Des Moines Area Community College - Carroll
• Western Iowa Tech - Denison

And the state is consistently recognized for the affordability, post-graduate earnings, academics, sports programs, and graduation rates of top tier higher education institutions including:

• Iowa State University
• University of Iowa
• University of Northern Iowa

Skilled Workforce, Low Cost of Business Anchors Business Expansion in Western Iowa

Iowa also boasts the 2nd lowest cost of doing business in the country and ranks as 5th best-run state in the nation.

Iowa’s strong agricultural roots and history of manufacturing are driving opportunities for entrepreneurial and innovative companies in:

• Manufacturing
• Food processing
• Transportation and warehousing
• Biotech
• Data centers

Businesses looking to expand or relocate to Western Iowa also have access to a highly skilled regional workforce of more than 292,000 individuals.

According to a 2026 report by the Labor Market Information Division of Iowa Workforce Development, industries can benefit wildly from such a robust workforce, signaling significant potential for economic growth across all seven counties of the Western Iowa Advantage.

Discover the Western Iowa Advantage! 

Whether you’re looking for a more affordable cost of living and a safe place to raise a family or are a business owner looking to access a highly skilled regional workforce, our seven county region offers more opportunity than you ever thought possible. 

Discover more about the Western Iowa Advantage by clicking here!