Recent issues
Vol. 7, Issue 8: Farmers Markets and Direct Sales – June 15, 2026 (PDF)
Among border states, Missouri leads in the number of farms (3,215) selling direct-to-consumer, with sales reported in 106 of 114 counties. Roughly 2/3 of Missouri counties have at least one farmers market, with St. Louis (12), Jackson (9), and Green (8) having the highest concentrations. About 1/3 of Missourians have made local food purchases from a venue other than a farmers market (e.g., on-farm sales, community supported agriculture).
Vol. 7, Issue 7: Newcomers Bring Community Change – May 18, 2026 (PDF)
From 2020–25, net migration increased the average Missouri county population by 2.1%, with nonmetro counties experiencing a greater share of in-migrants compared to metro counties. A 2025 Northwest Missouri survey finds that area ties and health care access are top location considerations for all respondents. However, newcomers placed greater importance on amenities such as broadband access than did longtime residents.
Vol. 7, Issue 6: 2020 to 2025 Population Trends – April 27, 2026 (PDF)
Missouri, the nation’s 18th-largest state, grew its population by 0.4% from 2024 to 2025. From 2020 to 2025, population gains in Missouri’s nonmetro counties lagged metro areas but outpaced growth in comparable U.S. nonmetro counties. The strongest population gains over five years were concentrated in recreation-dependent Missouri counties, reflecting a broader national pattern as these areas continue to attract retirees.