Recent issues
Vol. 7, Issue 2: Commuting Across Counties – February 2, 2026 (PDF)
Four in 10 Missouri payroll jobs were filled by out-of-county workers in 2003. By 2023, it was over half of all jobs. Nonmetro commuters travel an average of 28 miles one-way to work, compared to 16 miles for urban commuters. Missouri’s high level of commuting reinforces the need to “think regionally” when considering economic and workforce development strategies.
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.