Recent issues
Vol. 7, Issue 12: Wealth and Migration Among Older Households – October 5, 2026 (PDF)
Adjusted for inflation, the median net worth of U.S. households age 65 and older is roughly twice as high in 2022 as in 1992, while younger household net worth has grown more slowly. Older adults make up a larger share of nonmetro Missouri's population, recent migration is widening the gap: 3.2% of adults age 65 and older in nonmetro counties are new residents, compared with 2.7% in metro counties. Missouri’s relatively low cost of living makes many rural communities attractive to retirees, especially when tied to recreational amenities and access to healthcare, family, and friends in nearby metro areas.
Vol. 7, Issue 11: Multiple Job and Self-Employed Trends – September 14, 2026 (PDF)
In 2025, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that 8.8 million people held multiple jobs, representing 5.4% of U.S. workers. Adults aged 25 to 54 saw the largest increase of any age group, with the multiple-jobholding rate rising by nearly 1 percentage point (pp). Missouri had more than 485,000 nonemployer establishments in 2023, including 429,000 sole proprietorships, generating $26.2 billion in revenue.
Vol. 7, Issue 10: Outdoor Recreation – August 17, 2026 (PDF)
Outdoor recreation contributes over $10.6 billion to Missouri’s economy, accounting for 2.4% of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). Missouri has a high concentration of hunting-related spending, representing a potential competitive advantage in outdoor recreation. Missouri state park visitor and related household spending supported 11,900 jobs in 2025.