DES MOINES, IA — The Iowa State Fair, one of the nation’s longest-running and largest agricultural and industrial exhibitions, delivered a substantial economic boost to the state in 2024, according to a recent analysis by Johnson Consulting. The study found that the fair and its year-round operations at the Fairgrounds contributed $629.2 million to Iowa’s economy.
The findings were publicly shared on November 19 by Iowa State Fair CEO and Manager Jeremy Parsons during a community engagement event held at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Fairgrounds.
Key outcomes from the 2024 data include:
– 81,400 hotel room stays generated
– 4,880 full-time equivalent jobs supported
– $211.9 million in wages paid
– $17 million in state government revenue
The eleven-day fair’s economic footprint is comparable to major national events such as the Kentucky Derby ($405 million), the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in San Antonio ($429 million), the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austin ($434–480 million), and a three-concert series by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in New Orleans ($500 million).
A broader national assessment conducted by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) in partnership with Johnson Consulting revealed that fairgrounds across the U.S. generate $52 billion in economic activity and $17.6 billion in wages annually. Approximately 29% of Americans attend a fair each year—a figure exceeding the combined attendance of Major League Baseball and National Football League games.
The methodology used in the Iowa study focused on revenues and attendance from both the annual fair and other events hosted throughout the year at the Fairgrounds. Standard economic modeling techniques were applied. Notably, the totals do not include direct earnings from concession vendors, carnival operators, or independent businesses operating on-site. However, rental income and profit-sharing payments received by the Fairgrounds from these entities are accounted for. As such, the reported figures represent only a segment of the broader economic ecosystem tied to fairs.
This research was made possible through support from OABA, The Eastern States Exposition, and the Iowa State Fair.
— news from Iowa State Fair
— News Original —
Iowa State Fair Economic and Community Impact Study Results
The internationally acclaimed Iowa State Fair is the state’s largest event and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. A 2025 study conducted by Johnson Consulting found that the economic impact from the Iowa State Fair and Fairgrounds’ year-round activities for the state of Iowa totaled $629.2 million in 2024. n nThe economic impact findings were shared with the public by Iowa State Fair CEO and Manager Jeremy Parsons on Wednesday, November 19, during a coffee-and-conversation event held at the Elwell Family Food Center on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. n nThe study revealed the Iowa State Fair and Fairgrounds’ 2024 total economic impact, including: n n81,400 hotel room nights generated n n4,880 ongoing jobs sustained n n$211.9 million in wages created n n$17 million state fiscal impact n nThe economic impact of the eleven-day Iowa State Fair is comparable to other 2024 events, including the Kentucky Derby ($405M), the NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four in San Antonio ($429M), the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austin, Texas ($434-480M), and a three-show run of the Taylor Swift Eras Tour in New Orleans ($500M). n nAccording to the nationwide portion of the same study by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and Johnson Consulting, fairgrounds across the United States have a $52 billion economic impact and generate $17.6 billion in wages. Furthermore, 29% of the U.S. population attends a fair each year, more than the combined attendance of Major League Baseball and the NFL. n n*The methodology utilized for this study was based on revenue generated along with attendance figures for fairs and non-fair events held throughout the year. Standard statistical models and assumptions were applied to create these results. The totals DO NOT include revenue made by concessionaires, carnivals, or other businesses that operate at fairs. The revenue received as rent or profit-sharing from these companies is reflected, but their impact is not factored into this study. Therefore, we are capturing only one portion of a symbiotic industry. This study was made possible with the generous support of OABA, The Eastern States Exposition, and the Iowa State Fair.