A monthly survey of rural bank C-E-Os in the Midwest finds nearly 58 percent see stable or modest growth in the small businesses in their area

Midwest Rural Economic Index at Highest Level in Three Years

(Omaha) The Midwest rural economy showed its first sign of growth in five months in May 2026, according to the Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), a measure based on a survey of rural bank CEOs conducted by Creighton University. The index for the 10-state agricultural and energy-dependent region rose above the 50.0 “growth neutral” threshold for the first time since February, even though the overall reading slipped to 45.7 from April’s 47.9. The RMI r…

A monthly survey of rural bank C-E-Os in the Midwest finds nearly 58 percent see stable or modest growth in the small businesses in their area

A monthly survey of rural bank C-E-Os in the Midwest finds nearly 58 percent see stable or modest growth in the small businesses in their area. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says that and other survey responses pushed the "Rural Mainstreet Index" to its highest level in three years. "It's not just the farming and ranching sectors looking somewhat better, but the businesses on rural Main Streets are looking somewhat better," Goss said…