A Strategic Hub at the True Crossroads of the Continental US
Most hubs make you choose: cost or coverage, access or availability. Des Moines doesn't. Sitting at the true crossroads of the continental US, a single Des Moines facility reaches more of the country in two days than any other Midwest alternative. Add zero inventory tax, 30-40% lower operating costs, and abundant Class A space, and the math becomes hard to ignore.
| Factor | Des Moines, IA | Chicago · Columbus · Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Day Shipping% of US population reached by ground | 75% reachThe single best Midwest position for next-two-day ground coverage. | 55-65% avgEach city covers a regional slice. None match Des Moines' national reach. |
| Inventory TaxState personal-property tax on stored goods | $0Iowa exempts inventory from personal property tax entirely. | VariesIL, OH, and MO each levy inventory or property taxes that compound over time. |
| Operating CostsWarehouse rent + labor | 30-40% LowerEstimated savings vs. Chicago on warehouse rent and labor combined. | HigherPremium real estate and persistent wage pressure in all three markets. |
| Interstate AccessMajor freight corridors | I-80 · I-35 · I-235True crossroads. East-west and north-south freight corridors converge. | Single corridorEach market sits on one dominant axis, limiting omni-directional reach. |
| Real Estate AvailabilityModern Class A industrial supply | HighStrong supply of modern Class A space with room to scale. | ConstrainedTight vacancy rates push rents and lengthen build-to-suit timelines. |