Preliminary estimates reported by the Labor Market Information (LMI) division of the Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 3.8% in August. This is unchanged from 3.8% in July and an increase from 3.7% in August 2024. The labor force participation rate for Kansas increased to 67.0% in August, according to a media release from the KDOL.
The unemployment rate in Saline County remained steady at 3.8 percent in August. The rate in Dickinson County is up a tick from 4.3 percent in July to 4.4 percent in August.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 4,700 from July. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 1,300 over the month, while government decreased by 3,400. The largest job gains in the private sector were in leisure and hospitality (+600 jobs). The largest decrease was in trade, transportation, and utilities (-2,100 jobs).