REPORT REVEALS THERE'S MORE DOLLARS TO STRETCH

Amid the bleak economic news of recent months comes an encouraging report. A recent study by the University of Missouri Extension Service revealed that the state's total income has more than doubled during the past decade.

Also promising is the fact Missouri kept pace with its national ranking of per capita income compared with a decade ago. The state remained slightly above the median. Missouri's diverse economy and population distribution no doubt helped the state keep abreast with national income averages.

So what does it all mean? While people make more money, things cost more too. But lowered inflation in recent years translates into a bettered standard of living for many people especially those living in urban areas. When adjusted for inflation, state income experienced about a 20 percent net increase.

As might be expected, the report also revealed a stark contrast between urban and rural earnings. The state average for per capita income is about $16,000. Only a handful of counties averaged more, with St. Louis County leading the way with $22,598. While per capita income increased in all Missouri counties, rural counties experienced less growth. In fact, only 15 of Missouri's 98 rural counties had a 1989 per capita income of $14,000 or more. We can take some solace in the fact that while rural incomes may be lower, so is the cost of living.

Cape Girardeau County fared above the state average with a per capita income of $16,447. Those Southeast Missouri counties demonstrating the greatest growth in total income included Stoddard, with 98 percent; Bollinger, with 97 percent; and Perry, with 97 percent.

The highest per capita income growth across the state was closely related to the largest population gains. Likewise, a number of northern Missouri counties that lost population experienced the lowest total income growth.

Today's tough economic times means that most people are trying to stretch their dollars as far as possible. But this Extension Service report does confirm that most people have more dollars to stretch than 10 years ago. Hopefully, an economic recovery will allow this trend to continue into the next decade.