Iowa may be best known for its cornfields and caucuses, but it’s also home to influential billionaires and multi-millionaires with deep roots in agriculture, banking, agritech, and manufacturing. Many of Iowa’s wealthiest individuals prefer quiet influence over public exposure, yet their economic and philanthropic impact runs deep.
Here is the Top 10 Richest People in Iowa in 2025, based on Forbes data, financial disclosures, and local business analysis.
1. Harry Stine – $7.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: Agriculture (Stine Seed)
Residence: Adel, IA
Iowa’s richest person, Harry Stine built Stine Seed Company into a global leader in genetically engineered soybeans and corn. His biotech patents and seed licensing deals make him one of the most powerful figures in global agriculture.
2. Dennis Albaugh – $1.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Agribusiness (Albaugh LLC)
Residence: Ankeny, IA
Albaugh made his fortune through generic agricultural chemicals. His company, Albaugh LLC, serves farmers worldwide. He’s also known for his massive private car collection and philanthropic efforts in central Iowa.
3. Harry Bookey & Pamela Bass-Bookey – $800 Million (combined)
Source of Wealth: Real Estate, Development
Residence: Des Moines, IA
The Bookeys are the power couple of real estate development in Iowa. Through their firm BH Management, they’ve built and managed thousands of apartment units nationwide, while funding arts, education, and Jewish causes in Des Moines.
4. Steve Sukup – $700 Million
Source of Wealth: Manufacturing (Sukup Manufacturing Co.)
Residence: Sheffield, IA
Sukup Manufacturing produces grain storage and drying systems used across the U.S. Sukup is also a political influencer in Republican circles and a key figure in northern Iowa’s industrial base.
5. Richard Jacobson (Estate & Family) – $650 Million
Source of Wealth: Construction (Jacobson Companies)
Residence: Des Moines, IA (legacy)
Jacobson, who passed away in 2016, built Jacobson Companies into a logistics and warehouse giant. His estate and charitable foundations continue to support education, health, and sports across Iowa.
6. Michael L. Richards – $600 Million
Source of Wealth: Health Care Management
Residence: Des Moines, IA
Richards served as a leading executive in Iowa’s largest medical networks and public health policy organizations, turning administrative leadership into a powerful financial portfolio in hospitals and private health equity.
7. Randy Edeker – $550 Million
Source of Wealth: Retail (Hy-Vee Supermarkets)
Residence: West Des Moines, IA
Edeker is the former CEO and chairman of Hy-Vee, Iowa’s dominant grocery chain. Under his leadership, Hy-Vee expanded into e-commerce, pharmacy, and health-focused services, boosting its regional footprint.
8. Patricia Miller – $500 Million
Source of Wealth: Medical Manufacturing (Vera Bradley, Bio-Tech Companies)
Residence: Coralville, IA
Co-founder of Vera Bradley and investor in medical manufacturing, Miller also runs an angel fund supporting female entrepreneurs and biotech startups in eastern Iowa.
9. Bruce Rastetter – $480 Million
Source of Wealth: Agribusiness, Renewable Energy
Residence: Alden, IA
A major Republican donor and entrepreneur, Rastetter founded Summit Agricultural Group, which spans ethanol, livestock, and international agribusiness. He’s also been active in Iowa education and state politics.
10. Fred Buie – $420 Million
Source of Wealth: Defense Contracts, Technology
Residence: West Des Moines, IA
Founder of Keystone Electrical Manufacturing, Buie became one of Iowa’s most successful Black entrepreneurs, growing his company into a government and corporate supplier with multi-state operations.
Summary Table
| Rank | Name | Net Worth (2025) | Source of Wealth | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harry Stine | $7.6B | Stine Seed | Adel |
| 2 | Dennis Albaugh | $1.7B | Agribusiness | Ankeny |
| 3 | Bookey Family | $800M | Real Estate | Des Moines |
| 4 | Steve Sukup | $700M | Sukup Manufacturing | Sheffield |
| 5 | Jacobson Estate | $650M | Logistics, Warehousing | Des Moines |
| 6 | Michael L. Richards | $600M | Healthcare Admin | Des Moines |
| 7 | Randy Edeker | $550M | Hy-Vee | West Des Moines |
| 8 | Patricia Miller | $500M | Vera Bradley, Biotech | Coralville |
| 9 | Bruce Rastetter | $480M | Agriculture, Energy | Alden |
| 10 | Fred Buie | $420M | Manufacturing, Defense | West Des Moines |
Final Thoughts
The richest people in Iowa are largely self-made entrepreneurs and family business heirs rooted in the state’s dominant sectors—agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Their wealth powers philanthropic foundations, infrastructure, and education across the Hawkeye State.
