Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information Services division of the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.7 percent in March. This was a decrease from 3.8 percent in February and an increase from 3.2 percent in March 2020.
“Kansas has shown significant recovery, adding over 12,000 jobs in March, with eight of the major sectors contributing to that growth,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “The unemployment rate also remained relatively low at 3.7 percent."
The jobless rate in Riley County again fell, from 3.9 percent in February to 3.3 percent in March.
Geary County unemployment fell from 5.4 percent in February to 4.9 percent, still the highest in the region. Wabaunsee and Pottawatomie County reported a drop in March to 2.9 percent. Clay County fell from 3.7 to 3.7 percent in March.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 12,800 from February. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 12,400 from the previous month, while government increased by 400.
“Kansas job growth accelerated in March,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Growth was widespread with five of the major sectors adding more than 1,000 jobs each. The largest gains were in construction as the industry rebounded following weather related declines in February."
Since March 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have declined by 48,900. This change is due to a decrease of 35,700 private sector jobs and 13,200 government jobs.