Top 5 Midwestern Cities to Open a Dental Practice
Podcast Transcript:
Welcome to The Perfect Place to Put a Practice! I’m your host, Mike Green, from Doctor Demographics. Today, we’re counting down the Top 5 Midwestern Cities to Open a New Practice in 2026. If you’re a private practice owner looking for strong growth, new economic momentum, and areas where patient demand outpaces provider supply, this episode is for you.
We’ve analyzed population trends, job announcements, and healthcare shortage data to bring you a balanced mix: vibrant urban centers, family-friendly suburbs, and underserved rural-adjacent spots. These locations are seeing real influxes of residents and major employers while remaining underserved in healthcare—meaning more people than providers, which creates excellent opportunities for new practices.
Thank you for listening and supporting the podcast through our now over 300 episodes. Your continued support means the world to us.
Let’s dive in with our countdown, starting at number five.
Number 5: Sioux Falls, South Dakota (Suburban/Rural-Adjacent Mix)
Sioux Falls stands out as a fast-growing hub with a strong quality of life and expanding economy. The metro area continues to attract families and professionals thanks to affordable housing, low unemployment, and a booming healthcare sector that still hasn’t caught up with demand. Recent expansions in finance, manufacturing, and data-related industries have brought new employers and residents, boosting population growth.
Practices here benefit from a younger demographic with high birth rates and an aging population needing ongoing care. Many surrounding rural counties are designated as dental and primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), so a well-positioned practice in Sioux Falls can draw patients from both the city and nearby towns. Lower overhead costs and business-friendly policies make it easier to get started. Focus on family-oriented services or pet wellness—pet ownership is high, and annual checkups are often delayed in underserved areas. Network with local employers for corporate wellness tie-ins to build your patient base quickly.
Number 4: Grand Rapids, Michigan (Urban with Suburban Reach)
Grand Rapids tops many 2025-2026 lists for job and talent growth. The city’s tech scene, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare expansions are pulling in young professionals and families. Major employers in medical devices, furniture/tech hybrids, and logistics have announced new facilities or hires, driving steady population increases.
The area offers a nice blend of urban energy with accessible suburbs. Healthcare demand is rising faster than supply—Michigan has notable dental and provider shortages in several counties, and Grand Rapids’ growth amplifies that gap. Practices here can thrive by targeting busy professionals with flexible hours or families seeking pediatric and preventive care. Veterinarians will find strong demand from pet-loving households, while optometrists can capitalize on an active, wellness-focused population. The cost of living remains reasonable compared to coastal cities, and the vibrant downtown helps with staff recruitment. Partner with local hospitals or new employers for referral networks.
Number 3: Indianapolis, Indiana (Urban Core with Strong Suburban Growth)
Indianapolis is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing major metros, adding residents at a brisk pace thanks to a diverse economy and central location. Recent announcements in life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and distribution centers have created thousands of new jobs, attracting families and young workers. Suburban areas around Indy are expanding rapidly with new housing developments.
Many surrounding counties and population segments qualify as dental or primary care shortage areas, creating a clear opportunity: more people moving in, but not enough providers to meet the need. Dentists can focus on cosmetic and family services for the professional crowd; veterinarians will see demand from growing households with pets; optometrists benefit from an insured, working-age population using vision benefits. Indiana’s regulatory environment is relatively streamlined, and the city offers excellent logistics for equipment and supplies. Target growing suburbs like those in Hamilton or Boone counties for lower competition and high visibility.
Number 2: Omaha, Nebraska (Urban with Expanding Metro Influence)
Omaha combines big-city resources with Midwestern affordability and is riding a wave of growth in finance, insurance, and small business development. New employer investments in these sectors, plus healthcare and ag-tech, are fueling population gains and drawing talent from across the region. The metro’s diverse economy keeps unemployment low and household incomes solid.
Healthcare shortages are evident in parts of Nebraska and western Iowa, with many rural-adjacent areas needing more dental providers. Omaha serves as a natural hub—patients travel in for specialized services. Practices can differentiate with modern technology (same-day options appeal to busy professionals) or community-focused care. The city’s strong sense of local pride means word-of-mouth and patient referrals work especially well here. Affordable commercial space and a supportive business climate help new owners keep startup costs manageable while building long-term loyalty.
Number 1: Des Moines, Iowa (Balanced Urban-Suburban with Rural Draw)
Des Moines earns the top spot as the fastest-growing major metro in the Midwest, with the Des Moines metro adding residents at a pace that outstrips many peers—up over 6% since 2020 and continuing strong into 2026. Insurance, technology, data centers, and healthcare employers are expanding, bringing new families and professionals while keeping the cost of living attractive.
The area perfectly balances urban amenities with suburban neighborhoods and easy access to rural communities that face significant provider shortages. Many Iowa counties are dental HPSAs, and veterinary/eye care demand is rising with population growth and pet ownership. New practices here can capture patients seeking convenient, high-quality care before competitors fill the gap. Focus on preventive services, flexible scheduling, and community involvement—Des Moines residents respond well to local engagement. Strong schools, low crime, and a family-friendly vibe make it easier to attract and retain great staff.
Quick Recap of Our Top 5 for 2026
5. Sioux Falls, SD – Affordable growth with rural reach.
4. Grand Rapids, MI – Tech and manufacturing boom in a livable urban setting.
3. Indianapolis, IN – Diverse job growth and suburban expansion.
2. Omaha, NE – Stable economy with strong referral potential.
1. Des Moines, IA – Midwest’s fastest-growing metro with clear underserved demand.
Each of these cities offers growing populations, new economic drivers from major employers, and healthcare gaps that smart practice owners can fill. Success depends on understanding local demographics, crafting a strong unique selling proposition, and executing consistent marketing—principles we cover in depth in my book Dental Marketing Mastery, available on Amazon in softcover and Kindle.
No matter which location you choose, start planning your marketing and operations early. At Doctor Demographics, we specialize in demographic reports, market analysis, and helping doctors find not just the right place, but the right strategy to thrive there. Visit doctordemographics.com for a free consultation or give us a call at (844) 704-0499.
That’s it for today’s episode of The Perfect Place to Put a Practice. I hope this countdown gives you clear, actionable ideas for your next move in 2026. If you found value here, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague who’s thinking about expanding or starting fresh.
We’ll see you next time—until then, keep building that dream practice!