Inflation is affecting the U.S. more than it has in decades, and some areas have it worse than others.Midland is a rural city in West Texas.
The nearest major city is Dallas, nearly 5 hours away. Midland's inflation is through the roof, and people like Karen White, who lives in the area, say they’re suffering."It’s hitting the pocketbook: groceries, utilities, gas, we’re seeing it everywhere and it’s hard," White said.Consumer prices jumped 8.3% in April compared to 12 months earlier, according to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. Business owners in Midland said inflation is hitting them hardest.Bill Kent owns more than 15 businesses in the area, including gas stations and restaurants. "We’re somewhat isolated between El Paso and Dallas, Fort Worth, and that’s a lot of distance and it takes you 4 to 5 hours to go to either one.
So, travel costs and transportation costs raises prices," he said.Midland has a population of just over 140,000, but it’s giving big cities like New York, Phoenix and Dallas a run for their money when it comes to inflation.