(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (RI) — A new report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) takes a deeper look into its 2025 findings showing that Iowa’s population growth remains mostly concentrated in metro areas.
CSI Research and Policy Director Ben Murrey says there’s just one positive growth marker for non-metro counties.
He says most people moving into metro counties fit one profile.
Murrey says metro areas can offer more job opportunities for younger residents, while older residents moving into non-metro counties have more resources.
Murrey says these mid-career movers have the ability to relocate at this point in their career — and businesses should pay attention.
Murrey says the number of older people leaving metro counties isn’t enough to boost population in non-metro areas — and birth trends are difficult to change.
Murrey says birth trends happen on a decade-long basis. Only three counties grew by more than 1% in 2025:
- Dallas County (3.2%)
- Wayne County (1.6%)
- Warren County (1.5%)
Nine counties declined by at least 1%, led by Clay County, which dropped 1.9%.
