Edited release
11/22/25
For the ninth time in 2025, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) stayed below growth neutral, according to the monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region including Iowa, dependent on agriculture and/or energy.
According to the latest survey, the region’s overall reading for November increased to a weak 44.0 from October’s 34.6, its lowest level since May 2020. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.
Over 30 percent of bankers reported that their local economy was in a recession. More than one in three bankers reported solid growth with no recession in sight for 2026. The remaining bankers reported current conditions were ok, but a recession is expected in 2026.
In Iowa, the Index climbed nearly 10 points from October to November, with an overall 47.0. Although each state in the survey showed gains, none made it to growth neutral.
Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, the Dakotas and Wyoming are also included in the survey.