TOPEKA — 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 2.6% in January. This was a decrease from 2.8% in December and a decrease from 3.8% in January 2021.
“Kansas started 2022 with strong job growth, with estimates showing 8,500 jobs added in January,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “Additionally, the Kansas unemployment rate declined to 2.6% which is below pre-pandemic levels.”
Northwest Kansas counties showed a slight uptick in unemployment, although the majority remain below 2 percent. Barton County's 2.6 percent in the highest in the area. Ellis County's jobless rate rose from 1.4 percent in December to 1.7 percent in January.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 8,500 from December. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 5,100 over the month, while government increased by 3,400.
“The unemployment rate continued to trend downward, reaching 2.6% in January,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “While the unemployment rate has now fallen below pre-pandemic levels, it is important to note that the labor force participation rate has also declined in Kansas.”
Since January 2021 Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 17,100. This change is due to an increase of 16,200 private sector jobs and an increase of 900 government jobs.
The February 2022 Labor Report will be released March 25.