Edited release
06/20/25
The overall Rural Mainstreet Index climbed above the 50.0 growth neutral reading in June, marking its highest level since July 2023, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region including Iowa dependent on agriculture and/or energy.
The Index jumped from 44 in May to 51.9 in June.
Ernie Goss of Creighton University, who oversees the survey, said despite the significant increase, bankers on average expect approximately one in four farmers to experience negative income for farmers in their area. One banker in Minnesota said, “Flyover country is being ignored despite relatively solid growth prospects.”
Iowa’s Index moved to 51 from 46.8 in May. Only Kansas had a score that remained in growth negative, at 49.1. Minnesota had the highest score, at 54.5.
Complete details are available at creighton.edu.