Weekly Economic Update for Missouri
Last updated: 19 May, 2026
Missouri’s economic landscape continues to reflect steady labor market dynamics amid broader national trends of moderate inflation and cautious consumer demand. This update synthesizes the latest official data to provide actionable insights for Missouri businesses, employers, investors, and civic leaders.
What changed in the latest data?
The most recent State Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) data for December 2025 show Missouri with 134,000 job openings (seasonally adjusted), holding steady from November 2025 and representing a job openings rate of 4.2%, unchanged month-over-month but down from 5.3% in December 2024 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 Feb 2026). Hiring levels in Missouri were 80,000 in December 2025, slightly down from 87,000 in November 2025, with a hires rate of 2.6%, a modest decline from 2.8% the prior month.
Quits in Missouri increased to 66,000 in December 2025, with a quits rate steady at 2.1%, up from 1.6% a year earlier, indicating sustained worker confidence in the labor market (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 Feb 2026).
The State Employment and Unemployment report for March 2026 shows Missouri’s unemployment rate was little changed from previous months, consistent with national stability in jobless rates (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 May 2026). Nonfarm payroll employment changes specific to Missouri were not highlighted as significant in the latest release.
Nationally, the Producer Price Index (PPI) for April 2026 rose moderately, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures in goods and services sectors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 May 2026). The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the St. Louis, MO-IL area also indicates persistent inflation, though specific Missouri metro area data are limited (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12 May 2026).
Personal income and outlays data for March 2026 show increases in compensation nationally, supporting consumer spending growth, though no direct state-level income data are available (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 30 Apr 2026).
What this means for Missouri
Missouri’s labor market remains moderately tight with stable job openings and a slight decline in hiring activity, suggesting employers are cautious but still seeking talent. The increase in quits signals that workers feel confident enough to change jobs, which can increase wage pressures for businesses.
Inflationary pressures at the producer and consumer levels imply that Missouri businesses may face rising input costs and should monitor pricing strategies carefully. Consumer demand appears steady nationally, which may support sales, but local demand signals are not directly available.
Housing and credit conditions specific to Missouri lack recent direct data signals, so businesses should continue to watch for updates in these areas as they impact consumer spending and investment.
State labor market conditions
Missouri’s job openings rate of 4.2% in December 2025 remains below the previous year’s 5.3%, indicating a slight easing in labor demand. Hiring rates declined modestly to 2.6%, while quits rates increased to 2.1%, reflecting a labor market where workers have some leverage but employers remain selective.
Unemployment rates in Missouri have been stable with no significant month-over-month changes reported through March 2026, aligning with national trends of steady jobless rates around 4.3% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 May 2026).
Demand, income, and household pressure
National personal income growth driven by wage increases supports consumer spending, which rose by $195.4 billion in March 2026, including $132.6 billion on goods and $62.9 billion on services (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 30 Apr 2026). While Missouri-specific income data are not available, these trends suggest moderate household demand pressure.
Business costs and pricing pressure
The Producer Price Index increased in April 2026, signaling ongoing cost pressures for Missouri businesses, especially in goods-producing sectors (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 13 May 2026). Consumer inflation remains elevated in the St. Louis metro area, which may affect pricing power and margins (US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 12 May 2026).
Credit, housing, and cash-flow conditions
The latest official data do not provide direct signals on Missouri’s credit or housing market conditions. Businesses should monitor upcoming releases for insights into these critical areas affecting consumer and business liquidity.
Risks to watch over the next 30 to 90 days
- Continued inflationary pressures could increase input costs and wage demands.
- Labor market tightness may challenge recruitment and retention.
- Uncertainty in housing and credit markets could impact consumer spending.
- National economic shifts, including trade and GDP changes, may indirectly affect Missouri’s export-dependent sectors.
Practical takeaways for Missouri businesses
- Monitor labor market indicators closely to anticipate wage and turnover pressures.
- Review pricing strategies in light of rising producer and consumer prices.
- Prepare for potential cost increases in supply chains.
- Stay alert to upcoming housing and credit data releases to assess consumer demand risks.
- Use national income and spending trends as a proxy for local demand conditions until more state-specific data are available.
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References:
State Job Openings and Labor Turnover (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 19 February, 2026)
Metropolitan Area Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 29 April, 2026)
State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly) (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 6 May, 2026)
Producer Price Index (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 13 May, 2026)
Consumer Price Index (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 12 May, 2026)
Employment Situation (US Bureau of Labor Statistics | 8 May, 2026)
Personal Income and Outlays (Bureau of Economic Analysis | 30 April, 2026)
Gross Domestic Product (Bureau of Economic Analysis | 30 April, 2026)