NEBRASKA- Rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states are seeing continued economic growth, according to a monthly survey of bankers, even as nonfarm jobs in most of those states remained below pre-pandemic levels.

The overall Rural Mainstreet economic index dropped from June’s 70.0 to a still-strong 65.6 in July. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy.

The survey's index on new hiring decreased to 67.6 in July from 71.7 in June.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed nonfarm jobs across the region came in at 55,000 fewer — or 1.3% less — than before the COVID-19 pandemic began last year, said Creighton University economist Ernie Goss, who oversees the survey from Omaha. But three states — Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota — reported nonfarm employment levels above pre-pandemic levels.

“Even in small communities like Eldora, the local businesses are having trouble finding adequate staffing," said James Brown, CEO of Hardin County Savings Bank in Eldora, Iowa.

Goss said the region continues to benefit from growing exports, solid grain prices and continued low interest rates.

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