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. This is unchanged from 3.8% in April and an increase from 3.5% in May 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 67.0% in May, according to a media release from the KDOL.
The unemployment rate in Riley County is down from 3.4 percent in March to 3.1 percent in April to 3 percent in May. The rate is up slightly in Geary from 4.4 percent in April to 4.6 percent. The rate is steady in Pottawatomie and Wabaunsee Counties.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,800 from April. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,900 over the month, while government decreased by 100. The largest job gains in the private sector were in manufacturing (+1,600 jobs). The largest decrease was in professional and business services (-700 jobs).
Since May 2024 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 12,500. This change is due to an increase of 2,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 10,300 government jobs.