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 2.8 percent in October. This was an increase from 2.6% in September and a decrease from 2.9 percent in October 2021.
“The Kansas unemployment rate increased to 2.8 percent in October,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. "Even with this increase, the unemployment rate remains below pre-pandemic levels."
The jobless rate in Geary County rose slightly, from 3.7 percent in September to 3.9 percent in October. Most counties in the region saw a similar increase.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,500 from September. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 8,000 over the month, while government increased by 500.
“Kansas private sector job estimates showed strong growth over the month adding 8,000 jobs,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “The industries leading this growth include leisure and hospitality and professional and business services, both contributing 2,000 jobs. Over the year private sector jobs have increased by 3.4 percent.”
Since October 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 40,500. This change is due to an increase of 38,700 private sector jobs and an increase of 1,800 government jobs.