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New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents

The demographic shift could deepen Iowa's labor and care gaps.

News

Iowa lost more than 41,000 people ages 45–64 since 2020 — a group central to the state&#x27;s workforce, tax base, and caregiving system.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa is losing experienced workers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">Iowa is losing experienced workers</a> and caregivers just as its aging population needs more of both.By the numbers: Iowa&#x27;s 45–64 population fell 5.3% — from about 778,900 in April 2020 to 737,300 in July 2025 — according to an Axios analysis of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/demo/popest/2020s-state-detail.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau</a> estimates released last month.<ul><li>The decline was larger than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the national decrease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/07/gen-x-population-shrinking-taxes-economy" target="_self">the national decrease</a> of 3.2% but smaller than the Midwest&#x27;s 6.2% drop.</li><li>Meanwhile, Iowa&#x27;s population age 65 and older grew 13.1%, to nearly 650,000.</li><li>The number of Iowans younger than 18 fell 3%, while the state&#x27;s overall population grew 1.5%, to nearly 3.24 million people.</li></ul><div><figure><div id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" style="max-width:100%" data-vars-category="embed" data-vars-sub-category="axios-visual" data-vars-asset-id="av-hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--OU1PE" data-vars-iframe-src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/index.html" class="gtmView"><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-newsletter-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--fallback.png" width="1200" height="420"/><img alt="A bar chart that shows U.S. population change by age group from 2020 to 2025. Adults 65 and older grew the most, up 16.2%. Ages 25 to 44 rose 5.7% and ages 18 to 24 increased 3.2%. Under 18 fell 2.4%, while ages 45 to 64 declined 3.2%." class="axios-visual-apple-fallback-image" src="https://graphics.axios.com/hermesv2/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s-/fallbacks/2026-06-29-759-change-in-u-s--apple.png" width="750" height="466"/></div><figcaption>Data: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/vintage-2025-pop-estimates.html" target="_blank">U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates</a>; Chart: Russell Contreras/Axios</figcaption></figure></div>The big picture: The 45–64 cohort includes most of Generation X and the youngest baby boomers, many of whom are retiring faster than younger generations are replacing them.<ul><li>Iowa&#x27;s median age increased from 38.6 in 2020 to 39.3 in 2025.</li><li>About 20% of Iowans are now 65 or older, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Census QuickFacts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/IA/AGE775221" target="_blank">Census QuickFacts</a>.</li></ul>State of play: Iowa has already struggled to find enough workers, a longtime economic constraint compounded by young college graduates leaving the state.<ul><li>Economists have linked the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sluggish economic growth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/07/07/iowa-economy-gdp-economic-decline-agriculture" target="_self">sluggish economic growth</a> to workforce shortages and demographic headwinds.</li><li>Iowa was also recently ranked among the states with the highest outbound moving rates, potentially further shrinking its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="future workforce and tax base" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/06/iowa-moving-population-losing-migration" target="_self">future workforce and tax base</a>.</li></ul>Zoom in: Older Iowans are helping fill the gap. Iowa had the nation&#x27;s second-highest share of residents age <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="65 and older still working" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/07/31/iowa-oldest-workforce-retirement-age" target="_self">65 and older still working</a> in 2023, at 23.9%.Yes, but: Relying on people to work later may become less sustainable as more residents require care themselves.<ul><li>Iowa lost more than 250 health care facilities between 2008 and 2023, including elder-care and home-health providers, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2024 report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/09/11/iowa-health-care-access-closures" target="_self">2024 report</a>.</li><li>The state&#x27;s nursing home system has also faced persistent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staff shortages and facility closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" data-vars-content-id="8120f1b0-b6c9-4c1b-b720-98136e52faf2" data-vars-headline="New census data: Iowa lost 41K middle-aged residents" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2023/12/06/iowa-nursing-home-crisis-staffing-shortages-fines" target="_self">staff shortages and facility closures</a>.</li></ul>The bottom line: Iowa&#x27;s overall population is still growing, but the shrinking ranks of its most experienced workers and caregivers could make the state&#x27;s existing labor, health care and budget challenges even harder to solve.

This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults

Whimsy & Wonder Play Cafe will cater to all kids and parents alike.

Business

An Ankeny mom is opening an inclusive, kid-friendly cafe where their parents can connect (or disconnect) without helicoptering their kids.Why it matters: Megan Holtz was inspired to create a fun space for her 8-year-old son, Vinny, who has sensory processing disorder. Now she&#x27;s opening <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" data-vars-content-id="5511c029-c47f-40ce-b2ae-945f05f978c3" data-vars-headline="This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/whimsyandwonderplaycafe/" target="_blank">Whimsy &amp; Wonder Play Cafe</a> this fall, along with her husband, Mitch.

Des Moines police seek 80 more officers amid budget crisis

New studies say patrol officers are overwhelmed by calls.

Des Moines police say they need 80 more officers to keep calls from piling up.Why it matters: A police shortage is straining emergency response, but fixing it would require millions of dollars <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the cash-strapped city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" data-vars-content-id="884f9385-60c1-4156-b956-21a50bbdce86" data-vars-headline="Des Moines police seek 80 more officers amid budget crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/01/des-moines-public-feedback-budget-gap-library-cuts" target="_self">the cash-strapped city</a> does not have.

Des Moines taps Gray's Lake to water plants

A $40 setup has enabled the city to preserve about 100,000 gallons of drinking water.

Des Moines parks crews are now pumping water from Gray&#x27;s Lake to irrigate trees, flower beds and planters across the city.Why it matters: It <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reduces demand" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/21/smart-sprinkler-pilot-draws-quick-des-moines-demand" data-vars-content-id="c16e1c96-e3a2-4da3-8a50-a3347294598f" data-vars-headline="Des Moines taps Gray&#x27;s Lake to water plants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/07/21/smart-sprinkler-pilot-draws-quick-des-moines-demand" target="_self">reduces demand</a> on the regional drinking water system.

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Without regulatory changes, utilities could require customers to unplug them.

A Des Moines lawmaker is pushing to allow Iowans to use plug-in solar kits — devices that connect to standard home outlets and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="offset electricity use" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/urbandale-solar-panel-saves-money" data-vars-content-id="28bc1f13-4624-4102-acd4-8b5ea4c76f44" data-vars-headline="Plug-in solar gets Iowa push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/01/07/urbandale-solar-panel-saves-money" target="_self">offset electricity use</a>.Why it matters: The systems could offer a cheaper, more practical solar option, Rep. Sean Bagniewski (D-Des Moines) tells Axios.

Casey's plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years

The Ankeny-based company is becoming one of the nation's largest convenience stores.

Casey&#x27;s says it plans to add 400 stores over the next three years, doubling down on the rural and suburban markets that helped turn the Ankeny-based chain into one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nation&#x27;s largest convenience retailers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/12/caseys-grew-a-lot-including-its-gas-profit-margins" data-vars-content-id="2f9a173b-0cbc-49e3-a88d-60f8013f9aca" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/12/caseys-grew-a-lot-including-its-gas-profit-margins" target="_self">nation&#x27;s largest convenience retailers</a>.Driving the news: The company&#x27;s &quot;sweet spot&quot; is communities of under 20,000 people, where competition is thinner and its combination of gas, groceries and food gives it an edge, CEO Darren Rebelez shared during an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investor presentation" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.caseys.com/static-files/282c53ca-5901-433f-bda2-730dc4bd84b9" data-vars-content-id="2f9a173b-0cbc-49e3-a88d-60f8013f9aca" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.caseys.com/static-files/282c53ca-5901-433f-bda2-730dc4bd84b9" target="_blank">investor presentation</a> on Wednesday.

New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience

The new dental office opened near Coachlight Spa.

A new Des Moines practice is betting that a spa-like dentistry practice is in demand here.Why it matters: Americans are more obsessed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with their teeth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-our-teeth-look-like-in-2045" data-vars-content-id="601a2ed6-3d98-451d-90f5-89305f112a14" data-vars-headline="New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.vogue.com/article/what-will-our-teeth-look-like-in-2045" target="_blank">with their teeth</a> than ever.

Casey's grew a lot, including its gas profit margins

The company posted record profits as it continues to build and acquire new stores.

Casey&#x27;s posted record profits in its last fiscal year, fueled by surging gas margins and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strong in-store sales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/10/gas-station-pizza-iowa-pandemic-recovery" data-vars-content-id="274ae4d8-e54f-4fa7-939c-deb6b1597c89" data-vars-headline="Casey&#x27;s grew a lot, including its gas profit margins" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2021/06/10/gas-station-pizza-iowa-pandemic-recovery" target="_self">strong in-store sales</a>, leaders shared during an earnings call this week.Why it matters: Gas stations are the great equalizers in our society, and purchasing habits at Casey&#x27;s can reflect how Iowans are doing in general.

Flood fixes lead to a George Flagg Parkway comeback

A $2 million office and warehouse-style building is the latest proposal.

New developments are in the works along George Flagg Parkway — where projects had been blocked by persistent flooding — including an expansion of Jasper Winery and a proposed $2 million &quot;flex office&quot; building.Why it matters:<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" Des Moines has spent tens of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/22/flood-resiliency-desmoines-insurance-federal-iowa" data-vars-content-id="869b41e0-be42-476f-8878-f74ec091e087" data-vars-headline="Flood fixes lead to a George Flagg Parkway comeback" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/03/22/flood-resiliency-desmoines-insurance-federal-iowa" target="_self"> Des Moines has spent tens of millions</a> of dollars in recent years to improve its levees, prompting federal flood officials to lift restrictions on property buyouts.

Oakridge is planning a $15M+ Cynergy project

Project organizers aim to break ground as early as next year.

Oakridge Neighborhood is advancing a $15 million-plus project to bring larger affordable housing units and a wellness-focused commercial hub to a long-vacant site in downtown Des Moines.Why it matters: The project targets<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" a persistent gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/27/des-moines-affordable-housing-shortage" data-vars-content-id="16e004ea-71a3-45fa-a078-f78847567118" data-vars-headline="Oakridge is planning a $15M+ Cynergy project" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/10/27/des-moines-affordable-housing-shortage" target="_self"> a persistent gap</a> in the supply of three- and four-bedroom affordable units, especially for working families who spend a large share of their income on rent, Oakridge CEO Deidre DeJear tells Axios.

Iowa farmers face some of their toughest times since 1980s crisis

The president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association predicts fewer farmers in the next year.

Falling crop prices and stubbornly high costs are squeezing Iowa farmers, with some warning that the strain rivals the 1980s farm crisis.Why it matters: The downturn is hitting a cornerstone of the U.S. food supply — with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ripple effects" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" data-vars-content-id="1a44a1c7-bf10-4815-be7c-f70c11b45241" data-vars-headline="Iowa farmers face some of their toughest times since 1980s crisis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/06/iran-war-food-inflation-oil" target="_self">ripple effects</a> for rural communities and consumers.

Beaverdale Books is expanding

The long-established local bookstore is expanding into the space next door.

Beaverdale Books is turning 20 this year, and it&#x27;s celebrating in a big way by expanding the shop.Why it matters: While fewer people say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they read for fun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/well/reading-pleasure-decline-study.html" data-vars-content-id="bff70eef-7e2b-4341-a46f-ae764770698e" data-vars-headline="Beaverdale Books is expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/well/reading-pleasure-decline-study.html" target="_blank">they read for fun</a>, those who are reading are turning more toward local shops for live events and camaraderie over their latest fandoms.

Iowa small businesses feel tariff squeeze

Shop owners say thin margins make tariff swings hard to absorb.

Iowa business owners say they started feeling the pain of tariffs last year, and this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Supreme Court ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="3a7ac880-de0c-4a87-a12c-3cd6ef6e8235" data-vars-headline="Iowa small businesses feel tariff squeeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">Supreme Court ruling</a> hasn&#x27;t brought any clarity for the future.Why it matters: Small business owners say their profit margins are too small to absorb tariff-related price shocks, making planning for the future difficult.

Business 🏦

This Ankeny mom is opening a giant play cafe for kids, and coffee for adults

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Casey's plans to add 400 new stores over next 3 years

New West Des Moines dentistry focuses on spa-like experience

Casey's grew a lot, including its gas profit margins