Home / Business and Economy / Des Moines Rises as Industrial Workforce Hub
Des Moines Rises as Industrial Workforce Hub
26 Nov
Summary
- Des Moines ranks 16th nationally in workforce readiness for industrial employers.
- Industrial employment in Des Moines grew 34% between 2018 and 2023.
- The metro excels in cost of living and industrial employment concentration.
A new study reveals Des Moines as a leader in workforce readiness for industrial employers, securing the 16th spot nationally among 387 metros. Despite being known more for insurance and tech, Des Moines experienced a remarkable 34% expansion in its industrial workforce between 2018 and 2023, the most rapid growth within the top 20.
The metro's strong performance is attributed to several factors, including its central location, favorable state incentives, and lower business costs. Median industrial wages are approximately 6% below the national average, enhancing its attractiveness for manufacturing and logistics. Companies like Amazon, Michael Foods, and JBS have expanded operations, contributing to this industrial boom.
Beyond e-commerce and food processing, Des Moines is diversifying into advanced manufacturing sectors such as bioscience and data centers. Its strengths were further highlighted by its top rankings in cost of living, industrial employment growth, and concentration, making it a surprising yet compelling hub for industrial development.
