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Iowa's Free Enterprise Report: 2025 Edition

The Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of the Iowa economic landscape and the state’s most pressing issues. The study is a year long undertaking and includes the CSI Economic Performance Index as well as a Free Enterprise Competitiveness Index across eight different policy areas.

Both indices provide an opportunity to look backwards and better understand where Iowa has been and what direction we are moving. We can better understand how we are performing relative to other states and we can equip policy makers, civic and business leaders with the best understanding of how our state is performing, where we are winning, where we are losing and how free enterprise principles can get us back on track.

 

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Housing & Our Community
Housing Affordability in Iowa: Q1 2025

Iowa’s housing market remains one of the most affordable in the country.

Jobs & Our Economy
Iowa Jobs and Labor Force Update - March 2025

In March, Iowa reported a net loss of 1,500 jobs. Most of the job loss was driven by 2,000 lost jobs in professional and business services employment.

April 18, 2025 Andrzej Wieciorkowski
Jobs & Our Economy
Inflation in the Midwest - March 2025

Midwest inflation remained higher than the U.S. in March despite falling to 2.7% (-0.4%) over the last year. United States inflation also fell, hitting 2.4% (-0.4%) in March.

April 10, 2025 Andrzej Wieciorkowski
Taxes & Fees
Property Tax Reform: Targeting Iowa’s High Local Tax Burden

This report provides policymakers and the public with a barometer for measuring Iowa’s property tax burden and its total local tax burden.