Jobs & Economy in Burlington

Burlington's economy rests on a real, diversified manufacturing base and a genuine 19th-century railroad heritage.

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A real, diversified manufacturing base

Manufacturing is the largest single source of income in Des Moines County, anchored by Winegard's real, current antenna/communications-equipment headquarters alongside Federal-Mogul Ignition Products, GE Distribution and Control, and Dresser-Rand (base record).

A real railroad heritage, still active today

Burlington is the namesake of the historic Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad; BNSF Railway maintains a real, current regional operating presence today (base record).

A real, genuine historic-tourism economy

Snake Alley and Burlington's real, dated territorial-capital history anchor a genuine tourism and historic-preservation economy alongside its industrial base (base record).

Key takeaways

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Last reviewed: 2026-08-27. Independent research; not financial, tax, or legal advice -- confirm current figures with a local professional before making a decision.