Quick facts
- Population: about 16,000
- Commercial hub and county seat of Jasper County (37,000+)
- Enjoyable four seasons with average summer temperature of 72 and average winter temperature of 21 degrees
- Total potential labor force in region: 287,711
Location & convenience
Highway
- Newton is located in the center of Iowa on Interstate 80, America's busiest highway, connecting both coasts.
- We are 25 minutes east of Interstate 35, North America's international highway.
Air
- Newton features a full-service aviation airport with a 5,600-foot paved runway and complete instrument landing system.
- Commercial freight and passenger services are available at Des Moines International Airport, 40 minutes away.
Rail
- Newton is located on Iowa Interstate Railroad's main line between Chicago and Omaha.
Miles from Newton:
Midwest
- Chicago – 296
- Kansas City – 218
- Milwaukee – 316
- Minneapolis – 276
- Omaha – 167
Iowa
- Amana Colonies – 65
- Ames (Iowa State University) – 58
- Council Bluffs – 163
- Des Moines – 31
- Iowa City (University of Iowa) – 84
- Quad-Cities – 138
Work
Labor force in Jasper County - 18,606
Occupation breakdown
Management – 29%
Service – 13%
Sales – 26%
Production – 25%
Farming/construction – 8%
Click here for a laborshed analysis of Newton.
As a commercial and retail hub for communities throughout east central Iowa, Newton draws on a highly skilled and educated workforce, with more than half with some education beyond high school. This trained workforce owns skills in a wide variety of industries.
Newton is also a community serious about economic development. Since 2004, more than $100 million has been invested in urban renewal projects, commercial development, and the new Iowa Speedway – all of which translate to community growth and vitality.
Entrepreneurship has always been a cornerstone of the community. Newton has a long tradition as a home for successful entrepreneurs in manufacturing, advertising specialties, printing, distribution, and warehousing. Emerging industries have led to recent entrepreneurs finding success in artisan foods and wine, technology companies, and engineering and prototyping.
Local employers are supported by a progressive city government that is responsive to business needs through tax abatement and tax increment financing and revolving loan funds. Available building sites also open potential to further economic development, which is supported by organizations such as Newton Development Corporation, ReNew Newton, Chamber of Commerce, and Jasper Community Foundation.
Major employers include:
| Name |
Products/services |
Employment |
| Skiff Medical Center |
Hospital |
429 |
| Iowa Telecom |
Telephone communication |
370 (Newton)
691 (statewide) |
| Vernon Company |
Specialty advertising |
179 (Newton)
700 (worldwide) |
| TPI Iowa |
Wind turbine blade manufacturer |
320 |
| Hy-Vee Food Stores |
Retail food |
283 |
| Progress Industries |
Rehabilitation facility |
165 (Jasper County)
275 (total) |
| Wal-Mart |
Retail |
257 |
| Rock Communications |
Commercial printing |
200 (Newton)
400 (total) |
| Caleris |
Information technology |
175 |
| Newton Manufacturing |
Specialty advertising |
135 |
| Thombert |
Advanced manufacturing |
125 |
| Trinity Structural Towers, Inc. |
Wind tower manufacturer |
115 |
| Newton Clinic |
Health care |
74 |
| Cline Tool |
Advanced manufacturing |
65 |
Live
Newton’s community spirit and ingenuity means a high quality of life for its 16,000 residents. Excellent public schools, state-of-the-art Skiff Medical Center, diverse religious congregations, full service senior living communities, and a thriving public library support “small town family living.”
From apartments and condos to Victorian beauties to the latest in executive housing, Newton boasts a wide range of housing options for any taste and any budget.
Combine those amenities with Newton’s advantages as a county seat and area commercial center, and you have a thriving mid-sized Iowa community in which to live, work and play. The daily newspaper and local radio station keep busy residents informed of a full, year-round calendar of community events, activities, and civic organizations.
Learn
Newton’s commitment to education is evident in its five neighborhood elementary schools, public middle and high school, a Jasper County Career Academy, an alternative high school and a parochial school. These schools provide a wide range of quality education opportunities, and are an integral part of all facets of the community. Residents also have access to higher education through the Newton Center of Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Buena Vista, as well as advanced degree program offerings from the University of Iowa and Iowa State.
- Excellent K-12 system, pre-school child care facilities, and post-secondary educational opportunities.
- Jasper County Career Academy – newly constructed in 2009 – offers high school students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school as they get a head start on their college and career.
- Community passed $19 million bond issue for school improvements and a one-cent sales tax local option tax for school infrastructure. All buildings are new or have been remodeled in the last two years - continual improvements in 2005/2006.
- Recent implementation of a Web-based student information system. This system makes student information such as grades, attendance, assignments, etc., confidentially available to families on the Web.
- Newton Community Schools' 2008/2009 enrollment was 3,267.
- The Newton Community School District is composed of five neighborhood K-6 elementary schools, a 7-8 middle school, a 9-12 senior high school, and an alternative high school. Newton Christian School is another local alternative.
- A tradition spanning more than 100 years.
- Excellent academic and extracurricular programs
- Strong Character Counts Program K-12
- Focus on learning and achievements at all levels
Broad range of post-secondary educational opportunities
- Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC)
- Buena Vista University
- The University of Iowa - evening MBA program
- Iowa State University
Student/teacher ratio (includes all certified staff, excluding administration)
- Elementary – 14:1
- Middle school – 14:1
- High school – 13:1
Average class sizes
Play
And when you just want to play, Newton has “something for everyone.” Recreation facilities include Maytag Bowl and Pool in historic Maytag Park, Aces Teen Center, Jasper County Historical Museum, a lush arboretum, two golf courses, one 18-hole disc golf course, many city parks and a walking trail for exercise and leisure, and many more sports fields. Sports fans, rejoice! Newton is proud to be home to the Newton Cardinals.
If play involves hosting guests, local motels and hotels can meet your overnight needs. For larger gatherings, the Sodexho Conference Center (adjacent to the DMACC education center) offers banquet seating for 350, plus a 325-seat auditorium with Iowa Communications Network access. The local YMCA, which offers year-round recreational programs, hosts the Newton Community Theatre and its 250-seat auditorium.
Many area attractions are within just a few minutes’ drive of downtown Newton. Local wineries, combined with a stop at Maytag Dairy Farm, world-renowned for Maytag Blue Cheese, make a recipe for a quick, educational and enjoyable getaway. The Iowa Speedway draws drivers and enthusiasts from across the country. Rock Creek State Park and Red Rock Reservoir offer boating and fishing nearby. Newton boasts more than 20 three-dimensional art pieces sited throughout the community, and the dedication to the arts continues with a new Center for Arts & Artists under construction.
