Iowa City MSA up from 25 to 22 on Milken’s Best Performing Cities Index

Iowa City has been ranked in the Top 25 since 2002

The Iowa City MSA moved up three spots to number 22 in the Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities Index.  The index, named “Where America’s Jobs Are Created and Sustained,” ranks U.S. metros based on multiple factors in job creation and sustainability.

Iowa City was number 25 last year and has continually been on the list since 2002.

"At a time of great economic uncertainty, it is important to communicate to people living in our market, and those interested in bringing their businesses and families to the Iowa City area, that a track record of economic success can be found and grown here,” said Joe Raso, President of the Iowa City Area Development Group.

The Best Performing Cities Index includes both long-term (five years) and short-term (one year) measurements of employment and salary growth. There are also four measurements of technology output growth, which are included because of technology's crucial role in creating good jobs and driving regional economies.

The Iowa City MSA ranked first in long term technology output growth, indicating its strength in the knowledge-based economy.  Data released by ICAD Group in October as part of its existing industry report showed that primary sector companies in the Iowa City area were poised for continued growth when compared to national and state figures. 

"The continued recognition of our market as a place for job creation and retention sends a strong signal to companies and workers that their long-term success is enhanced by being located in the greater Iowa City area,” added Raso

The index is solely an outcomes-based measure.   It does not incorporate explicit input measures (such as business costs; cost-of-living components, such as housing; and other quality-of-life measures, such as commute times or crime rates).

About the Institute:
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, independent economic think tank whose mission is to improve the lives and economic conditions of diverse populations around the world by helping business and public policy leaders identify and implement innovative ideas for creating broad-based prosperity. It is based in Santa Monica, CA. (www.milkeninstitute.org)