A new report from Creighton University shows mixed economic signals for Iowa’s rural economy heading into the end of the year.
The university’s December Rural Mainstreet Index for Iowa rose slightly to 47.6, up from 47.0 in November. Any reading below 50 suggests economic contraction.
Iowa’s farm and ranchland price index showed improvement, increasing to 51.3 in December from 45.2 the previous month, indicating modest growth in land values.
However, the state’s new hiring index declined sharply, falling to 43.7 in December from 51.8 in November, signaling a slowdown in rural employment activity.
Despite hiring concerns, agricultural exports continue to strengthen. According to the U.S. International Trade Administration, Iowa’s year-to-date exports of agricultural goods and livestock totaled $1.4 billion in 2025, up 30.5 percent from $1.1 billion during the same period in 2024.
Creighton University economists say the data reflects ongoing challenges for rural communities alongside continued strength in agricultural trade.
