Find a Job You Really Want In
Are you gearing up for a job search in 2026?
If so, you may be wondering about the current state of the job market in Iowa and how different cities compare. Job prospects can vary significantly across the state, making it easier to find opportunities in some areas while posing challenges in others.
At Zippia, we analyze data to uncover where job seekers can find the most opportunities in Iowa today.
Here are the ten hottest job markets in Iowa for 2026.
The 10 Hottest Job Markets In Iowa
These are the ten cities where job seekers can find the greatest opportunities in Iowa. Continue reading for a detailed analysis of how we arrived at these rankings. Is your city not in the top 10? Keep scrolling to see its position on the complete list.
How We Determined the Best Job Markets in Iowa
To identify the top job markets in Iowa, we utilized the latest data from the Census American Community Survey, focusing on cities with a civilian workforce exceeding 5,000.
While the unemployment rate is a vital indicator of the job market, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Thus, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to rank the best job markets in Iowa.
Each metro area was ranked out of 41 in four categories:
- Unemployment Rate
- Change in Unemployment Rate
- Household Income Change
- Current Average Household Income
The lower the score in each category, the better. For instance, the Waukee area showcased the lowest unemployment rate at 0.68%, earning the top position in that category. The four ranked categories were then averaged to create our final list, ranking the 41 metro areas from 1 to 41, with a lower score indicating a stronger job market.
1. Clive
Unemployment Rate: 2.73%
Average Income: $130,930
2. Coralville
Unemployment Rate: 2.84%
Average Income: $97,419
3. Ankeny
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Average Income: $101,738
4. Johnston
Unemployment Rate: 2.74%
Average Income: $124,309
5. Pleasant Hill
Unemployment Rate: 3.13%
Average Income: $91,331
6. Carroll
Unemployment Rate: 1.96%
Average Income: $66,559
7. West Des Moines
Unemployment Rate: 3.16%
Average Income: $102,041
8. Le Mars
Unemployment Rate: 2.79%
Average Income: $73,531
9. North Liberty
Unemployment Rate: 1.1%
Average Income: $92,209
10. Norwalk
Unemployment Rate: 2.82%
Average Income: $100,700
Measuring the Best Job Markets in Iowa
You might be thinking, ‘I live in Waukee and have been searching for months—this can’t be accurate!’ That’s a valid concern.
While Waukee and its surrounding metro area hold the top job market in Iowa, individual circumstances such as education, work experience, and specific career fields also heavily influence job search success. Overall, job seekers in Waukee will find better opportunities compared to those in cities with lower rankings.
Detailed List of the Hottest Job Markets in Iowa
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clive | 2.73% |
| 2 | Coralville | 2.84% |
| 3 | Ankeny | 2.8% |
| 4 | Johnston | 2.74% |
| 5 | Pleasant Hill | 3.13% |
| 6 | Carroll | 1.96% |
| 7 | West Des Moines | 3.16% |
| 8 | Le Mars | 2.79% |
| 9 | North Liberty | 1.1% |
| 10 | Norwalk | 2.82% |
| 11 | Waukee | 0.68% |
| 12 | Marion | 3.5% |
| 13 | Cedar Falls | 3.37% |
| 14 | Bettendorf | 3.45% |
| 15 | Davenport | 4.37% |
| 16 | Pella | 2.98% |
| 17 | Indianola | 4.31% |
| 18 | Sioux | 5.24% |
| 19 | Waterloo | 5.74% |
| 20 | Cedar Rapids | 3.66% |
| 21 | Grimes | 2.11% |
| 22 | Urbandale | 3.02% |
| 23 | Dubuque | 5.07% |
| 24 | Altoona | 2.45% |
| 25 | Iowa | 4.77% |
| 26 | Boone | 3.52% |
| 27 | Des Moines | 5.96% |
| 28 | Storm Lake | 8.12% |
| 29 | Ottumwa | 6.56% |
| 30 | Mason | 5.16% |
| 31 | Muscatine | 2.67% |
| 32 | Clinton | 5.44% |
| 33 | Burlington | 6.22% |
| 34 | Council Bluffs | 4.75% |
| 35 | Waverly | 3.2% |
| 36 | Marshalltown | 5.51% |
| 37 | Oskaloosa | 6.24% |
| 38 | Ames | 5.24% |
| 39 | Fort Dodge | 4.93% |
| 40 | Spencer | 4.35% |
| 41 | Newton | 7.35% |
In conclusion, understanding the job market landscape is crucial for job seekers in Iowa. By focusing on cities with strong employment rates and rising income levels, you can maximize your chances of finding the right job. Whether you’re in one of the top ten cities or exploring other areas, stay informed and proactive in your job search.
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
