On the Right Track

The Iowa Chamber Alliance moved Talent Attraction to the top of our priority agenda in 2019 and in 2022 created the annual Talent Poll to better understand Iowa’s strengths and weaknesses. Iowa needs to find new people willing to move to the state by first understanding what working age Iowans find attractive about living here.

The majority of Iowans continue to believe that Iowa is on the right track overall, however 2024 did see an 2 point decrease compared to 2023. 

Living In Iowa 

Overall, Iowans believed that the experience of living in Iowa is superior to most other states. While the majority also believe they can achieve long-term career and life goals in Iowa, it is by a smaller margin. Iowa continues to have a low unemployment rate and numerous job opportunities, and has been consistently ranked nationally as one of the best places to live. To attract a new workforce, Iowa needs to better market our strengths.

 

Top Priorities 

When respondents read multiple messaging statements about living and working in Iowa, they strongly agreed with the ones that were about the experience of the state, which had to do with things like safety, the people, and cost of living. There was less agreement (though still agreement overall) on the statements pertaining to achieving career and life goals in Iowa. To attract new Iowans, we need to show that they can enjoy the state’s low cost of living, friendly people, and safety, without giving up on a successful career and thriving social life.

 

Childcare

36% of working age Iowans say access to childcare has decreased, with nearly half of working age Iowans relying on the public school system for childcare. 

 

Opportunities

Iowans are dissatisfied with Iowa’s entertainment and career opportunities, with 42% of respondents believing that Iowa has inferior career opportunities compared to other states, an increase since 2022. 

Professional Opportunities - 

 Entertainment Opportunities - 

INSTITUTION'S TRUST