Des Moines – In a newly released report, Iowa’s economy ranks 51st – dead last when put against every state in the nation and Washington, D.C.

The report also places Iowa 51st in new startup activity and 50th in change among nonfarm payrolls.

Early this year, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported Iowa ranked 49th in economic growth in 2024 and 48th in personal income growth.

The report ranks state economies by looking at economic activity, economic health and innovation potential.

“Republicans’ failed policies have landed Iowa’s economy dead last in the nation. This is just more proof of what Iowans already know – whether they are already struggling because of layoffs in our manufacturing sector, tariffs that are driving up costs and destroying markets for Iowa farmers, or rural hospitals that are on the brink of closing due to Medicaid cuts,” said IDP Chair Rita Hart. “Iowa needs a change of leadership. The path we have been going down under Republican control is clearly not working for our state.”