Misery Index

An indicator measuring the impact of changing economic conditions on people

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Misery Index

Kansas Region

 

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Misery Index

 

Between the second and third quarters of 2015, the general level of misery experienced by people in the United States decreased and remains well below the 2014 level. This can be attributed to a small decrease in the unemployment rate, low levels of inflation and increases in housing prices. The level of misery in Kansas decreased slightly between the second and third quarters and remains somewhat below the 2014 level.

The Misery Index, as calculated by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR), includes the following components: 

  • The Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • The House Price Index (HPI) from the Federal Housing Finance Agency
  • Unemployment Rates (UR) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Read the complete third quarter report.

 

Miserable looking young manMisery in the United States, as measured by the Misery Index, declined between third and fourth quarter 2011. Kansas residents experienced an increasing level of misery during that time period, while Wichitans experienced a decline in misery. Wichita residents are more miserable than Kansas residents in general, but the gap has continued to narrow.

The Misery Index calculated by the Center for Economic Development and Business Research (CEDBR) includes the following information:

  • The Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • House Price Index (HPI) from the Federal Housing Finance Agency
  • Unemployment Rates (UR) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Read the full fourth quarter report.