For the seventh time in 2025, Creighton University’s overall Rural Mainstreet Index sank below growth neutral, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. The region’s overall reading for September fell to 38.5 from 48.1 in August. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.