Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in May, according to a media release from the KDOL.
This is a decrease from 3.9% in April and unchanged from 3.8% in May 2025. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 67.2% in May.
The unemployment rate in Riley County is up from 2.9 percent in April to 3.6 percent in May. The rate is also up slightly in Geary, Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 5,100 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 4,600 over the month, while government increased by 500. The largest job gains in the private sector were in leisure and hospitality (+2,100 jobs). The largest decrease was in other services (-600 jobs).