Rural Economy Finally Picking Up

For the first time since July 2023, Creighton University’s Rural Mainstreet Index rose above growth neutral, according to the November survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy. November’s overall reading climbed to 50.2 from October’s very weak 35.2. It was the highest reading since July of last year. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with 50.0 representing growth neutral.