On the Right Track
Iowa has the lowest growth rate of any state in the Untied States since 1900. This slow population growth has created an acute talent problem for economic growth as the labor shortage inhibits attraction and expansion opportunities.
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.
Working age residents in Iowa remain generally optimistic about the direction of the state and express more positive than negative emotions about living and working in Iowa, but there has been a significant negative shift of residents’ opinions throughout the survey regarding most aspects of the state since 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 
Job Security
Opportunities
Standard of Living/Economic Stability -
Ability to achieve long-term career goals in Iowa -
Ability to achieve long-term life goals in Iowa -
What would you suggest the state of Iowa do to attract new people and retain existing residents? 
WHO MOST INVESTS IN IOWA WORKERS?
CONCERNS
INSTITUTION'S TRUST
DEMOGRAPHICS
