Minnesota outpaced the rest of the Midwest in September with a strong showing from durable goods manufacturers that buoyed growth prospects.

The state scored a region-leading 53.0 in the Mid-America Business Conditions Index, Creighton University’s monthly survey of supply managers that looks at the business climate across the Midwest. Values greater than 50 indicate economic expansion in the next six months. Lower scores suggest a shrinking economy.

September’s upswing brings Minnesota closer to levels it hit over the summer, restoring confidence after a sluggish start to the year. The state lost some ground in August when its score dropped to 51.9 from 54.8 a month earlier – a high point driven by manufacturers’ success.