How big is Iowa State Fair's record economic impact? More than some Taylor Swift concerts

In addition to this year's Iowa State Fair record attendance, the fair contributed more than $170 million to the state's economy, a new report shows. That tops the boost some cities see from concert tours headlined by music superstars.

A total of 1,182,682 people attended this year's fair, beating the all-time record set in 2019 by about 12,000 people. The first Saturday of the fair also set a new single-day attendance record. The following day set the record for the highest attendance for the first Sunday of the fair.

Common Sense Institute, an economic research organization, produced a report showcasing the economic impacts of the record-breaking 2024 Iowa State Fair. Its report says this was the largest economic impact of the fair's 170 years.

"When over a million visitors travel to Des Moines for the fair every year, an economic ripple effect reverberates through the state’s economy," the Common Sense Institute report stated. "Over the 11 days of the fair, consumer spending surges, generating revenue for businesses and government."

More: Sunday attendance propels 2024 Iowa State Fair to a new all-time record

How much money did the 2024 Iowa State Fair generate?

Having the largest economic impact of any Iowa State Fair, 2024's fair contributed $172 million to the state's gross domestic product, according to Common Sense Institute . It also contributed $97 million in personal income.

The 2024 fair generated about $2 million more than all 105 local and country fairs in Iowa combined, according to Common Sense Institute's findings.

How much money did fairgoers spend at the Iowa State Fair?

Attendees spent a total of $78.1 million at the 2024 Iowa State Fair, according to Common Sense Institute. The average family of three spent an estimated $126 a day at the Iowa State Fair this year.

How does the Iowa State Fair's economic impact compare?

The Iowa State Fair is bigger for the state than some stops on Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

The 2024 fair's contribution to the Iowa economy was about $32 million larger than Taylor Swift's two-night stop in Denver, which generated $140 million for Colorado's economy.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17 .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: How big is Iowa State Fair's record economic impact? More than some Taylor Swift concerts