Rural Mainstreet Index Reflects Weak Rural Economy

The Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI), which covers 10 regional states across 200 rural communities, reports that in April, the overall index fell below growth neutral 50.0 for the 19th time in the past 20 months.

For the 19th time in the past 20 months, the overall Rural Mainstreet Index (RMI) sank below the 50.0 growth reading in April, according to the recently-released monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

The region’s overall reading for April fell to 40.0 from March’s 41.1. The index ranges between 0 and 100, with a reading of 50.0 representing growth neutral.

“The economic outlook for 2025 farm income remains weak, according to bank CEOs. Despite the negative fallout from tariffs, 75% of bankers support the tariffs on China, and 79.2% back the 90-day pause on other tariffs,” said Ernie Goss, PhD, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University. Farm equipment sales: The farm equipment sales index dropped to a very weak 17.4 from 20.8 in March. “This is the 20th straight month that the index has fallen below growth neutral. High input prices, tighter credit conditions and market volatility from tariffs are having a negative impact on the purchases of farm equipment,” said Goss.

Source: Creighton.edu