Ames, Story County, and Boone have a large collective workforce. With recent growth in population and new construction, there is ample opportunity for investment in these areas. Close proximity to Iowa State University, a research university known for its programs in agriculture and technology, as well as DMACC, a community college with a wealth of trade programs, provides a unique opportunity to capture fresh graduates who are seeking employment with their new degrees. Below are a series of statistics showing the current workforce, and the rapidly expanding future workforce, with several students who will soon be prepared to enter the workforce.
Population (as of 2020) Current Unemployment Rates
Story County: 98,537 Ames Unemployment: 3.0%
Ames: 66,427 Boone Unemployment: 2.9%
Nevada: 6,677
Huxley: 4,244
Story City: 3,254
Boone: 12,242
Future Workforce Statistics
Local School District |
Graduation Rate |
Proficiency ('18-'19) |
ACT Score ('20) |
Ames CSD |
93.2% |
75.6% |
25.2 |
Nevada CSD |
99.0% |
69.9% |
25.0 |
Ballard CSD |
97.7% |
85.5% |
25.0 |
Roland Story CSD |
98.6% |
85.3% |
25.0 |
Boone CSD |
96.3% |
54.25% |
24.0 |
State of Iowa |
State Average |
Graduation Rate |
91.8% |
Proficiency |
69.5% |
ACT Score |
21.6 State Average, 20.8 National Average |
Iowa State University |
ISU Average ('20) |
Graduation Rate |
74.7% |
Enrollment |
31,825 |
GPA |
3.71 |
Sources: Iowa Department of Education, ACT Inc., Iowa State University, U.S. Census Bureau, Niche