Recent issues
Vol. 7, Issue 1: Artificial Intelligence and Job Postings – January 12, 2026 (PDF)
December 2025 BTOS data reveals that 18.5% of Missouri businesses currently use AI, slightly outpacing the U.S. (17.8%). AI-related job postings grew 53% from 2024 to 2025, far outpacing the 10% increase in overall postings. Although job ads do not directly translate into hires, the growth signals rapidly rising demand for AI skills.
Vol. 6, Issue 15: Women-Owned Businesses – December 15, 2025 (PDF)
Women-owned businesses account for just over half (51%) of Missouri service sector firms. In one of Missouri’s fastest growing job sectors—health care—two out of three firms (67%) are owned by women. Women-owned sole proprietorships are more prevalent in Missouri’s metro areas, where they account for 44% of firms, compared with 37% in nonmetro counties.
Vol. 6, Issue 14: Cost-of-Living and Inflation – November 17, 2025 (PDF)
Missourians benefit from a lower cost of living that is typically 90% of the national average, which is also reflected in comparatively lower wage levels. Living costs are higher in Missouri’s metros (92.3) compared to nonmetro areas (89.7). Southern Missouri counties had the lowest cost of living in 2025.