Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA local economy

96th

percentile among United States metros

▲ +0.8 3-month trend

Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ranks in the 96th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum rising over the past 12 months.

Business formation

New business applications or registrations was 10,740 in January 2025, up 12.9% from January 2024.

Building permits

Dwelling units authorized by permit was 817 in July 2026.

Employment

Payrolled or covered employment was 400,228 in January 2026.

New business applications or registrations was 10,740 in January 2025, up 12.9% from January 2024. Dwelling units authorized by permit was 817 in July 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How does Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA rank among United States metros?
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA ranks in the 96th percentile of United States metros as of September 2026, with momentum rising over the past 12 months.
What is the new business applications or registrations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
New business applications or registrations in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA was 10,740 in January 2025.
What is the dwelling units authorized by permit in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Dwelling units authorized by permit in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA was 817 in July 2026.
What is the payrolled or covered employment in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA?
Payrolled or covered employment in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA was 400,228 in January 2026.

Nearby and related

Sources and methodology

Method: 2026.09. Updated 2026-09-10. Coverage: 100% of weighted components available.

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Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA local economy score, via LocalEconomy.com
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Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA local economy indicators. LocalEconomy.com. Retrieved 2026-10-09 from https://localeconomy.com/us/metro/des-moines-west-des-moines-ia/