Data shows consumer spending in Iowa has grown faster than US average since end of recession

Consumer spending in Iowa has grown slightly faster than the national average since the end of the recession, according to new federal data released Thursday.

The report from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis provides a state-by-state breakdown of spending. It shows that per capita spending in Iowa jumped 12 percent between 2009 and 2012. That's more than the national average of 10.7 percent, but less than states like North Dakota and Oklahoma that have seen spending skyrocket due to oil and gas drilling booms that have prompted big jumps in per-person income.

Iowa also remained relatively stable with consumer spending, compared to other states when the recession hit. Spending dipped only slightly in Iowa in 2009 compared to the previous year. Since then, all the change has been positive.

According to the data, in 2012, Iowans spent an average of $33,585 on consumer goods and services, compared with a national average of $35,498. That spending includes purchases of food, gas, housing and health care.

Iowa residents spent more than the national average on food, gas and health care, but less on housing and utilities. The average per capita spending on housing and utilities was $5,281, compared with $6,415 nationally.