NAICS 23
Construction in Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA
Metro Market Score 52.9 (Challenging), ranked #225 of 342 metros. 2,120 establishments, 25,540 jobs.
Metro Market Assessment
Metro Market Score 52.9
Favorable 0-35
Moderate 35-48
Challenging 48-60
Difficult 60+
Challenging
Lower is better. Relative to national construction average.
High-Cost Market
Des Moines-West Des Moines pairs above-average construction concentration (72.8) with positive employment growth (trend: 71.9). The market is competitive but still expanding, leaving room for well-positioned new entrants.
Industry Concentration
72.8
LQ: 1.20
Rank #249 of 342 metros
Wage Competitiveness
76.3
$79,343 avg wage
Growth Trend
↑ 71.9
Employment growth index
Rank #97 of 342 metros
Wage Pressure
36.2
YoY wage change index
2,120 Construction Firms in Des Moines-West Des Moines
2,120
Establishments
+4.7% YoY
25,540
Total Employment
+4.5% YoY
$79,343
Average Annual Wage
+5.4% YoY
1.20
Location Quotient
Above national avg
Des Moines-West Des Moines vs Iowa Statewide
How this metro's construction market compares to Iowa overall. The state ranks #7/51 for entry risk.
| Measure | Des Moines-West Des Moines | IA Statewide |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.9 Challenging | 34.3 Moderate |
| Score Type | Metro Market Score | Entry Risk Score |
| Rank | #225 of 342 metros | #7 of 51 states |
Metro and state scores use different methodologies (metro has 4 QCEW-based metrics; state adds BDS survival and momentum data). Direct score comparisons are approximate.
Other Industries in Des Moines-West Des Moines
Construction in Other Iowa Metros
Data Sources
- Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), Bureau of Labor Statistics. MSA-level establishment counts, employment, wages, and location quotients for the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA MSA area.
Data period: 2024. Last updated: April 2026.