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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 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.

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.

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.

Rob Sand's bid boosts focus on Democrats running for Statehouse seats

With Rob Sand at the top of the ticket, national Democratic groups are hoping to also boost down-ballot races.

<blockquote>&quot;There&#x27;s a little bit of this sense of, &#x27;Rob Sand is this once-in-a-generation candidate, he&#x27;s going to win and suddenly he&#x27;s going to be able to wave a magic wand and transform the politics of Iowa.&#x27; ... But you have no real teeth to your ability to actually improve the politics and improve lives in your state without that legislative power, too.&quot; </blockquote>

Scoop: Republicans enter Polk County races for supervisor and attorney

The nominations could help determine control of the Polk County Board of Supervisors.

Polk County Republicans have nominated Pleasant Hill Councilperson Alyson DeMoss for supervisor and Des Moines criminal defense lawyer Jonah Dyer for county attorney in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="November&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/15/gop-polk-county-supervisor-knox-general-election" data-vars-content-id="efd5f4f5-e357-4f28-8b40-792f5cc7f3dc" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Republicans enter Polk County races for supervisor and attorney" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/15/gop-polk-county-supervisor-knox-general-election" target="_self">November&#x27;s election</a>.

After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines' homelessness work

The city accepted up to $300,000 in grant-funded support.

Politics

Des Moines&#x27; push to address homeless camps is getting a boost through a Harvard College program, with up to $300,000 in grant-funded support for a policy aide to work with the city for the next two years.Why it matters: City leaders hope the support will help the metro <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="move beyond planning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" data-vars-content-id="d88e0a49-69f9-4977-9528-5736d67a9abd" data-vars-headline="After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines&#x27; homelessness work" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/12/11/homeless-des-moines-iowa-businesses-blueprint" target="_self">move beyond planning</a> and expand shelter options for unsheltered people.

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"

Zach Lahn, a MAHA-backed candidate, criticized big ag in Iowa.

Zach Lahn won the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-governor-zach-lahn-feenstra-primary" target="_self">Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination</a> after doing something almost no Republican in this state does: criticize &quot;big agriculture,&quot; per <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Washington Post" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" data-vars-content-id="8ba57b9c-26c9-413f-9ad8-ea0a710f5f5e" data-vars-headline="Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing &quot;big ag&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2026/06/08/zach-lahn-wins-iowa-republican-governor-primary-after-blasting-pesticides/" target="_blank">The Washington Post</a>.Why it matters: Once shied away from, the public health impact of Iowa&#x27;s industrial farming is on the ballot for both sides of the aisle.

Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket

Sand picked western Iowa farmer Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand named Crawford County Supervisor Dave Muhlbauer as his running mate for lieutenant governor Monday.Why it matters: Muhlbauer is a fifth-generation family farmer and cattleman from a rural, western county — a notable choice as Sand tries to build a bipartisan, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rural-friendly campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-democrats-stage-rural-comeback-turek-sand" data-vars-content-id="4767904b-a017-4a8d-91b5-039f3610d0a3" data-vars-headline="Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2026/06/03/iowa-democrats-stage-rural-comeback-turek-sand" target="_self">rural-friendly campaign</a> in a state that has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moved sharply right" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/14/iowa-2024-election-results-republican-democrat-red-wave" data-vars-content-id="4767904b-a017-4a8d-91b5-039f3610d0a3" data-vars-headline="Rob Sand adds rural voice to Iowa governor ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/14/iowa-2024-election-results-republican-democrat-red-wave" target="_self">moved sharply right</a>.

Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek

Iowa's voter-registration math is still tough with the GOP ahead in voter registrations.

Iowa Democrats are staging <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a blue comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/07/iowa-results-takeaways-red-wave" data-vars-content-id="399f79ae-222d-4bbb-9926-2dc625f77001" data-vars-headline="Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2024/11/07/iowa-results-takeaways-red-wave" target="_self">a blue comeback</a> with Josh Turek and Rob Sand atop the ticket.Why it matters: Turek&#x27;s U.S. Senate primary win and Sand&#x27;s uncontested path to the governor&#x27;s race give Democrats two statewide candidates with outside-the-metro appeal — the kind of profile <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CNN framed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/30/politics/josh-turek-zach-wahls-iowa-senate" data-vars-content-id="399f79ae-222d-4bbb-9926-2dc625f77001" data-vars-headline="Iowa Democrats stage a rural comeback with Sand and Turek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/30/politics/josh-turek-zach-wahls-iowa-senate" target="_blank">CNN framed</a> as central to Democrats&#x27; hopes for a rural revival.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code

The city has dealt with mailing problems and delays.

For decades, Urbandale has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="endured a ZIP code problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/17/urbandale-lobbies-dc-to-get-its-own-zip-code" data-vars-content-id="b62043cf-48f8-4bcb-88f6-9a44b05d2e44" data-vars-headline="U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst helping Urbandale get a ZIP code" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines/2025/11/17/urbandale-lobbies-dc-to-get-its-own-zip-code" target="_self">endured a ZIP code problem</a>, but a new bill led by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst may finally allow the suburb to have its own unique five digits.Why it matters: Residents and businesses near the city&#x27;s limits have experienced missing packages, mail delays and confusion over which government agencies to turn to.

Dallas County polling site mix-ups frustrate West Des Moines officials

For the special election, Dallas County had three voting centers, instead of the typical precincts.

Confusion over Dallas County polling locations did not help with the low voter turnout for a special West Des Moines City Council election last month, city officials say.Why it matters: Running the special election cost the city an estimated $30,000–$40,000, according to City Clerk Ryan Jacobson, and a runoff election on March 17 is expected to have a similar price tag.

Bills restricting abortion pills, ending vaccine requirements advance in Iowa

Lawmakers advanced bills that would restrict abortion pills and remove school vaccine mandates.

Iowa&#x27;s first legislative funnel deadline passed last week, narrowing the field of bills that can become law this session.Why it matters: Several measures have direct implications for Des Moines residents, including vaccine requirements and access to public libraries and abortion pills.

Politics 🇺🇸

Plug-in solar gets Iowa push

Rob Sand's bid boosts focus on Democrats running for Statehouse seats

Scoop: Republicans enter Polk County races for supervisor and attorney

After camping ban, Harvard fellow to aid Des Moines' homelessness work

Iowa GOP nominee pulls off upset after critiquing "big ag"