Iowa is dependable, friendly, and famously practical — the kind of place that quietly gets things done. But in 2026, a growing number of residents are realizing that stability doesn’t always equal opportunity. When life feels predictable but limiting, people start scanning the horizon beyond the cornfields.
1. Brain Drain Keeps Getting Worse
Young Iowans leave for college or careers and often don’t come back once they find better-paying jobs elsewhere.
2. Job Growth Feels Flat
Outside a few metro areas, career advancement options can feel stuck in neutral.
3. Wages Lag Behind National Averages
Even with a lower cost of living, many salaries haven’t kept up with inflation.
…