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 January. This is unchanged from 3.8% in December and an increase from 3.1% in January 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.3% in January, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Labor.
The unemployment rate in Riley County remains steady at 3.2 percent from 3.1 percent in December. The rate in Geary County fell from 5 to 4.7 percent last month. Wabaunsee County saw an increase from 2.7 in December to 4.5 percent in January.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 3,600 from December. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 2,600 over the month, while government decreased by 1,000. The largest job gains in the private sector were in trade, transportation, and utilities (+800 jobs) and manufacturing (+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in leisure and hospitality (-3,800 jobs).
Since January 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 7,800. This change is due to an increase of 7,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 600 government jobs.