New to the Neighborhood: Iowa South’s Notes for Newcomers
Welcome to Iowa South – a 10-county area offers unique communities rich in character and culture.
Sponsored by: Iowa South

In This Article
Everyone’s Welcome
America’s Heartland is known for its friendly people, wide expanses of land and national prominence in both agriculture and advanced manufacturing. With a mix of big cities and small towns, this region of the country also captures the most comprehensive sample of American life and culture. Iowa South embraces religious and ethnic diversity and inclusion. The region is home to large Amish and Mennonite communities, and the area’s ethnic diversity has increased by 3.8%, according to the latest U.S. Census.

A Job For You
3.59% Iowa South’s unemployment rate compared to 4.1% for the state and 5.2% nationally. There are great jobs with competitive wages and excellent benefits waiting for you.

Cost of Living
Each of the 10 counties in Iowa South has a cost of living below the national index and state of Iowa, so your dollar goes further here. Affordable median home prices, low unemployment rates and nationally competitive wages and benefits make this an ideal area to put down roots.

Education
Iowa’s High School Graduation Rate is among the best in the nation at 91.6% compared to a U.S. rate of 85.8% (through 2019). Within the 10-county Iowa South region, 18.79% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and another 33.28% have some college credits or an associate degree. That means more than half the adult population in Iowa South has extended their education beyond high school.

And One For Your Spouse, Too
Iowa South provides a resume share service for companies participating in the Iowa South Job Board. If a company hires a new employee whose spouse is also looking for work in the region, the spouse’s resume is shared with other participating companies with their permission.
Get to Know Us
Visit IowaSouth.com to learn more about the region, read our stories and view current job openings.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, World Population Review, Realtor.com, AreaVibes, State of Iowa, National Center for Education Statistics