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 2.9% in December. This is an increase from 2.8% in November and an increase from 2.8% in December 2021.
Saline County jobless numbers remained steady over the past two months at 2.4 percent. The rate in Dickinson County increased to 2.5 percent. Ellsworth saw an increase from 1.8 percent in November to 2.2 in December. The rate in McPherson County is still below 2 percent.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 500 from November. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,100 over the month, while government decreased by 600.
“Kansas experienced strong job growth over the year, with the private sector adding 37,900 jobs,” said Labor Economist Nathan Kessler. “Industries that saw robust growth include manufacturing and education and health services, collectively adding 15,900 jobs over the year.”
Since December 2021 Kansas' seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 42,300. This change is due to an increase of 37,900 private sector jobs and an increase of 4,400 government jobs.