Economic Development

Key Industries Driving Growth

1. Agriculture: As a cornerstone of the county's economy, agriculture plays a vital role. With fertile farmland and a supportive agricultural community, Calhoun County provides an excellent environment for farming and related industries.
2. Manufacturing: A diverse manufacturing sector contributes significantly to the local economy. Industries ranging from food processing to metal fabrication thrive in Calhoun County, benefiting from a skilled workforce and a supportive business climate.
3. Logistics: Calhoun County's strategic location near major transportation hubs makes it an attractive destination for logistics and distribution businesses. With access to highways, railways, and airports, companies can efficiently move goods and materials throughout the region and beyond.
4. Services: The service sector, including healthcare, education, and retail, plays a crucial role in supporting the local community and economy. Calhoun County offers a high quality of life, making it an attractive place for professionals in various fields.

Available Properties

Whether you're looking to establish a new business or find your dream home, Calhoun County has a variety of properties and opportunities available to suit your needs.

Residential Development

• Twin Lakes
  • Twin Lakes is home to a 20-site housing development, “Lakeside Landing.” For more information on lot availability, contact Mike Murphy – 515-490-7019.
  • Another development at Twin Lakes – Sunset Acres.
• Rockwell City
  • In 2024, Rockwell City began development of the Heinlen Subdivision housing area. Six lots are developed for new homes in Rockwell City. Now available. Contact City Hall for more information on available lots at 712-297-7041.
• Lohrville, Manson, Lake City

Commercial/Industrial Development

• Buildings: Find suitable buildings for a variety of business needs, from small offices to manufacturing facilities.
• Land: Develop your dream commercial or industrial project on available land parcels.

Calhoun County Business Park

Incentives and Infrastructure

Calhoun County offers a range of incentives and infrastructure to support businesses and economic growth:

• Tax Incentives: Enjoy favorable tax policies designed to attract businesses and stimulate investment.
• Job Training: Access job training programs to develop a skilled workforce and meet the needs of local industries.
• Infrastructure: Benefit from a well-developed infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and utilities, to support business operations.

Local Financial Resources

CCEDC Revolving Loan

CCEDC offers low-interest loans for business startups and expansions. Applications are ongoing and are available by contacting our office.

Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association Revolving Loan

Business owners may be eligible for a loan through the Calhoun County Electric Cooperative Association's Revolving Loan Fund. Eligible projects for loans can include any community or economic development project that benefits the rural area, such as new or expanding private businesses, non-profit groups, and city or county governments.

MIDAS Council of Governments Revolving Loan

MIDAS Council of Governments administers a revolving loan fund that is designed to encourage new or expanded development activities in the north central Iowa counties of Calhoun, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Webster, and Wright. Call 515-576-7183 for more details.

IADG Energy Bank Revolving Loan

Finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through the IADG Energy Bank. With qualified energy improvement projects, facilities need no upfront or additional capital. Loan payments can be flexibly arranged to meet your energy savings.

Contact CCEDC for Next Steps

To learn more about these resources and other local business incentive options, such as tax abatements and tax increment financing (TIF), which may also be available, contact the CCEDC office.

Contact CCEDC

Housing Needs Assessment

The Calhoun County Housing Needs Assessment presents an in-depth study of the housing market and existing housing conditions. 

The communities within Calhoun County are similar in demographics but display unique personalities and housing challenges, both from each other and other counties in the region. Yet, these challenges can best be met on a cooperative basis, pooling the resources and capabilities of the county and possibly the region into a unified housing program.

View the Study

Blog & News

Browse news and blogs highlighting stories of economic development in Calhoun County.