Skilled Workforce Anchors Business Expansion and Growth in Western Iow
April 8, 2026
Businesses looking to expand or relocate to Western Iowa 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 from manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, construction, and wholesale retail trade can benefit wildly from such a robust workforce, signaling significant potential for economic growth across all seven counties of the Western Iowa Advantage.
“Laborshed data is important for Western Iowa Advantage Economic Development Partners because it provides the hard evidence needed to assist with business recruitment and retention efforts and to grow businesses in the region,” said Chris Whitaker, Region XII Council of Governments Local Assistance Director and managing partner of WIAD.
Expanding the geographic reach for employers
The report also found that while 86% of the population is currently employed, more than a quarter of those individuals, as well as 60% of those currently unemployed, are very likely to seek out new jobs.
Those numbers signal the availability of highly educated and skilled workers that can support both new and expanding businesses in the region. And while the average commute time of those employed is only 15 miles, regional workers demonstrated a willingness to travel up to 28 miles for the right opportunity.
“That alone demonstrates that our workforce is beyond capable of expanding the geographic reach for employers, giving companies across a wide range of industries access to a large talent pool,” said Whitaker.
A clear advantage for businesses in Western Iowa
Also noted in the report was a median wage expectation of $22.00 per hour for workers seeking new roles. Additional expectations included comprehensive benefits packages which include paid sick leave / PTO, health and medical insurance, retirement / pensions, and paid holidays, providing a realistic wage benchmark for companies looking to expand or relocate operations to Western Iowa.
Given the total estimated labor force of 292,972 and a high degree of workforce mobility, Western Iowa stands out as a prime location and destination for business growth and investment.
“This presents a unique opportunity for targeted industries including advanced manufacturing, bioscience, ag-tech, data and information technology and value added food processing to partner with a loyal, hardworking laborforce,” said Whitaker “Combined with the state of Iowa having the second lowest cost of doing business in the country, the Western Iowa region presents a clear advantage.”
