Destination Iowa

This section will answer many of your questions regarding the life science industry in Iowa, the state's economy, tax structure and cost of living, education, transportation, climate, recreational opportunities, history and more.

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Industry Overview | Economy/Cost of Living | Education
Recreation & Entertainment | Transportation | Geography & Climate
History | Suggested Reading List

Thriving, modern cities dot the vast plains of Iowa, surrounded by endless golden cornfields and neat grids of fertile farmland spread across the state. It is this lush, pastoral scene that captures the imagination in the motion picture Field of Dreams with the question and answer, "Is this heaven?" "No, it's Iowa." Home to more than 2.9 million people, this leading farm state supports an energetic business climate with an established, growing biotechnology industry.

Industry Overview

Iowa has a long tradition in the life sciences. From George Washington Carver's and Henry Wallace's work with crop genetics to the extensive work in biocatalysis and bioprocessing that currently takes place everyday, the application of modern science is represented across the state of Iowa. More than 200 companies involved with some aspect of life sciences are doing business from Iowa locations. Nationally, Iowa is ranked 15th in the concentration of biotechnology companies in the United States.

Economy/Cost of Living

Iowa's stable agricultural economy, which leads the nation in pork, corn and soybean production, is supported by growing food processing and machinery manufacturing industrial activity. Affordable quality housing is available throughout the state and Des Moines consistently is among the top 10 metropolitan areas for affordable housing in the United States. Small business plays an important role in the state's economic growth, including dynamic activity in biotechnology.

Education

Iowa excels nationally with its K-12 public schools. This achievement is matched by nationally and internationally recognized research universities. Iowa State University is a leader in agriculture and veterinary medicine, and the University of Iowa a leader in the health sciences. Both universities actively support public-private biotechnology alliances and technology transfer programs.

Recreation & Entertainment

A natural playground for fishing, hiking, hunting, bicycling, skiing and snowmobiling, Iowa offers a wide assortment of sports and year round recreationional opportunities. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University give fans the excitement of major college football, basketball, and wrestling. The Iowa State Fair is one of the leading agricultural and art expositions in America. The Des Moines Art Festival with an array of jazz and blues concerts is one of the nation's top summer arts festivals.

Transportation

Served by more than a dozen major and regional airlines, Union Pacific, Burlington Northern Santa Fe and other railroads, and barges on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, and criss-crossed by America's two most traveled Interstate highways, centrally located Iowa is easily accessible from anywhere in the United States and offers quick, convenient access to both domestic and international markets.

Geography & Climate

Hot, humid summers offset by cold, snowy winters contribute to Iowa's rich farmland and make Iowa a great outdoor playground in each of its four distinct seasons, from the flat stretching reaches in the western part of the state to rolling hill country in the east.

History

From its earliest territorial days, Iowa has been a leading producer of agricultural crops and livestock. New markets for farmers were opened early in the state's history by steamboats and barges on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Even more agricultural trade developed later with transcontinental rail service. Since World War II, food processing and farm machinery have diversified Iowa's economic base.

Suggested Reading

A list of select guides and reference books about Iowa and the Midwest area.

Photo Credit: Iowa Division of Tourism.