Recent issues
Vol. 6, Issue 6: Population Trends - April 21, 2025 (PDF)
Missouri’s 2024 population of 6.25 million makes it the 19th most populous state in the U.S. Between 2020 and 2024, the state added over 90,000 residents — a 1.5% increase. Metro counties experienced a 1.6% growth rate, while nonmetro counties grew by 1.1%. The population growth was driven entirely by migration, with 101,152 new residents arriving from other domestic or international locations. During the same period, the state saw a natural population decline (births minus deaths) of more than 11,000 people.
Vol. 6, Issue 5: Tourism Job Trends – March 31, 2025 (PDF)
Tourism is vital to Missouri’s economy, employing 320,000 workers and accounting for nearly 12% of the state’s private sector workforce. Missouri tourism employment grew by 12.5% from 2021 to 2024, with gains especially strong in performing arts and sports. Many rural communities rely on tourism spending to support their economy. This is especially true for Stone and Taney counties, where more than one in three private sector jobs are tied to tourism.
Vol. 6, Issue 4: Childcare Trends – March 10, 2025 (PDF)
On average, Missouri has roughly 4.6 available childcare slots for every 10 children under age five, down from 4.7 in January 2024. Between 2019-2023, Missouri’s childcare workforce declined by 18%. Reversing this trend, Missouri saw 4% growth in 2024 compared to 2020. In Missouri, the average annual cost of full-time care is $8,100—nearly 14% of a family’s median income.