The unemployment rate in Ellis County was relatively flat in October, according to information released Tuesday by the state.
The jobless rate rose from 1.9 percent in September to 2.0 percent in October, reported the Kansas Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Statewide, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1 percent in October was down from 3.2 percent in September and down from 3.3 percent in October 2018.
“Kansans can recognize two important milestones this month. The unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent in October, the lowest rate in 40 years. April 1979 was the last month the unemployment rate was 3.1 percent," said Secretary Delía García. "Additionally, October established a record high level in the number of Kansans working."
Unemployment rates across northwest Kansas remained extremely low, with Wichita, Scott, Gove, Wallace, Osborne and Norton counties all reporting rates below 2 percent. Graham County (2.9 percent) and Rooks County (2.8 percent) posted the highest unemployment in the region.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs decreased by 500 from September. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, decreased by 700 from the previous month.
“Total nonfarm jobs in Kansas have increased by 1.3 percent compared to last October. The state is continuing to show growth over the year, despite job declines over the month,” said Labor Economist, Emilie Doerksen. “The largest losses were concentrated in the manufacturing industry which was impacted by national strike activity."
Since October 2018, Kansas gained 18,100 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs and 13,600 private sector jobs.
