Iowa Market Intelligence Report (2025)

Top Businesses to Start in Iowa (2025)

We analyzed 90K+ verified business records to help you separate the hype from the hard numbers.

Top 5 Opportunities

#1
FASTEST GROWTH SECTOR

Other Management Consulting Services

Growth: +200.0% • Saturation: 0.40 LQ
#2
HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Nail Salons

Growth: +166.7% • Saturation: 0.73 LQ
#3
LOW COMPETITION GAP

Retail Bakeries

Growth: +160.0% • Saturation: 0.63 LQ
#4
HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Miscellaneous Intermediation

Growth: +130.8% • Saturation: 0.75 LQ
#5
LOW COMPETITION GAP

Medical Laboratories

Growth: +130.0% • Saturation: 0.59 LQ

Census Records

Official Source

Volume Filtered

10+ Est. Minimum

100% Objective

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Omaha

#1 VOL

The state's largest economic engine.

Population

973K

Active Biz

31K

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Fastest Growth

Des Moines-West Des Moines

720K Residents

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Davenport-Moline-Rock Island

Population

382K

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Cedar Rapids

Population

276K

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Iowa City

Population

177K

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Waterloo-Cedar Falls

Population

168K

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Sioux City

Population

144K

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Ames

Population

125K

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Dubuque

Population

99K

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Common Questions

What is the fastest growing business in Iowa?+

Currently, the Other Management Consulting Services sector is leading the state with a +200.0% 5-year growth rate across multiple metro markets.

What is the most profitable solo business?+

Based on Non-Employer Statistics, solo founders in the Boat Dealers sector report the highest average annual receipts at $127k.

What does the data say about Iowa's economy?+

The state is home to 90K active establishments across 9 major metro areas. The market shows strong growth in emerging sectors with opportunities in high-demand, low-saturation niches.