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 3.9 percent in September. This was an increase from 3.8 percent in August and a decrease from 6.1 percent in September 2020.
“The September unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.9 percent,” said Secretary Amber Shultz. “However Kansas employers continued adding jobs in September. The strongest growth this month was seen in trade, transportation and utilities which has already surpassed pre-pandemic employment levels in the state."
Unemployment rates across northwest Kansas continue to fall, with the Ellis County jobless rate dropping from 2.6 percent in August to 2.1 percent in September. Only Russell, Sherman, Decatur, Graham, Rooks and Barton counties had unemployment rates 3 percent or higher in September.
Greeley County in western Kansas had the state's lowest unemployment rate at 1.6 percent. Logan County also had a September jobless rate below 2 percent.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates indicate total Kansas nonfarm jobs increased by 1,900 from August. Private sector jobs, a subset of total nonfarm jobs, increased by 1,100 from the previous month, while government increased by 800.
“September estimates indicate that total nonfarm jobs have increased for the fourth consecutive month in Kansas,” said Labor Economist Emilie Doerksen. “Employers have added 16,800 jobs over the past four months, led by growth in trade, transportation and utilities as well as continued recovery in government, manufacturing, and leisure and hospitality jobs."
Since September 2020, Kansas seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 32,200. This change is due to an increase of 28,000 private sector jobs and 4,200 government jobs.