A recent study from personal finance company WalletHub found that Iowa ranks as the worst economy in the nation so far in 2025. Iowa landed at 51st on the list, which includes all states and the District of Columbia, with an aggregate score of 31.61 out of 100. The study measured various factors, including economic activity, economic health, and innovation potential. WalletHub’s results found Iowa ranked 50th in gross domestic product (GDP) growth, 51st in startup activity, and 50th in nonfarm payroll change. Iowa finished well in other areas, including 15th in exports per capita and 20th for annual median household income. Finishing ahead of Iowa at the bottom of the list are West Virginia in 50th and Hawaii in 49th, while Massachusetts, Utah, and Washington took the top three spots. In this particular study, WalletHub emphasizes tech-industry growth, research, and development and undervalues the agricultural sector’s economic impact, potentially skewing the results. A link to the full report is included below.
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