Economic conditions across the Mid-America region continued to weaken in December, according to a new report from Creighton University.
For the fourth time in six months, the Creighton University Mid-America Business Conditions Index fell below growth neutral. The overall index dropped to 47.6 in December, down from 49.5 in November and the lowest reading of 2025. A reading below 50 indicates economic contraction.
Creighton economist Ernie Goss says the regional manufacturing economy continues to drift sideways to lower, with supply managers reporting weakness in imports and exports and moderating wholesale inflation. The December employment index declined to 44.0, marking the ninth straight month below growth neutral and the weakest job reading since May 2024.
Looking ahead, business confidence improved slightly to 50.0, though only one in six supply managers expect conditions to improve over the next six months.
In Iowa, economic conditions weakened sharply. The state’s Business Conditions Index fell to 44.6 from November’s 52.1. Iowa manufacturing exports also declined, dropping 9% through the first three quarters of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
The monthly survey tracks manufacturing activity across nine Midwestern and Plains states.
