NEW REPORT: Iowa Ranks 48th for Economic Growth at the Start of 2026

DES MOINES, IA – This week, new data from the Trump Administration’s Bureau of Economic Analysis revealed that Iowa currently ranks in 48th place for economic growth in the first quarter of 2026. This is the latest in a series of poor rankings for Iowa after a decade of one-party control, including averaging 48th place over the last three years for personal income growth and having the worst-ranked economy in the nation. 

“Afrer a decade of one-party rule, where has it gotten us? A trailing economy that isn’t growing, some of the lowest wages in the country, and layoffs stacking up. The insiders who run state government here in Iowa know that they can keep picking your pocket if we’re too busy fighting each other to notice. I’ve had enough, and Iowa families have too,” said nominee for governor Rob Sand. “The solution to solving some of our state’s toughest challenges isn’t another four years of the same failed status quo. It’s time for change.”  

This new report adds to the already long list of disastrous economic rankings for Iowa over the last decade of one-party control:

• According to WalletHub, Iowa is 45th in the nation for economic activity.

• Iowa has the lowest minimum hourly wage in the midwest region and ranks 44th in the country overall. 

• CNBC’s 2025 “Top States for Business” report dropped Iowa 14 spots in business friendliness, while also falling from 27th to 41st in workforce ranking and from 33rd to 39th in overall economic ranking. 

• Iowa is currently facing a nearly $1.4 billion budget deficit.

• More than 11,600 Iowans have been laid off in just the last year.