Recent issues
Vol. 5, Issue 13: Social Mobility – Oct. 28, 2024 (PDF)
Findings from Opportunity Atlas reveal growing economic inequality, where the highest-income groups see the most benefit. Those born to the lowest 25% of earners in 1992 earned, on average, 7% less than counterparts born in 1978. Social mobility varies widely across the state, with some counties seeing average family income declines greater than 7%, while others report gains exceeding 15%.
Vol. 5, Issue 12: The Growing Impact of AI on the Workforce – Sept. 30, 2024 (PDF)
In May 2024, 6.1% of surveyed Missouri employers used AI. While a small percentage, that level is nearly double the share reported a year earlier (3.1%). Missouri AI-related job postings also showed modest levels, with 1.5% of ads seeking AI skills from March to August 2024. Most AI-related postings were for computer or math science occupations (44%), followed by business and financial operations specialists (9%).
Vol. 5, Issue 11: Declining Youth Population – Sept. 16, 2024 (PDF)
Missouri saw a decrease of 37,648 residents under age 15 from 2013 to 2023, a 3.2% drop. During the same period, the 65+ population grew by more than 25%, an increase of nearly 230,000. In the next decade, 71% of Missouri counties will have more adults aging out of the workforce than youth entering it, indicating potential long-term labor shortages but also significant opportunities for young people joining the workforce.