New report highlights record-breaking economic impact of 2026 Iowa State Fair
DES MOINES, Iowa —
The 2026 Iowa State Fair made history for its impact on the state’s economy, according to a new report.
According to the Common Sense Institute, this year’s edition had the largest economic impact of any in the fair’s 172-year history.
The report shows the fair contributed $199 million to Iowa’s gross domestic product. It also contributed $104 million to personal income growth.
The report also estimated fairgoers spent a total of $95.8 million dollars at the fair in 2026. That’s just over an 8.2% increase from last year and an average of $235 per visit for an average family of three, according to the report.