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 July. This is unchanged from 3.8% in June and an increase from 3.7% in July 2025. The labor force participation rate for Kansas decreased to 66.7% in July, according to a media release from the KDOL.
The unemployment rate in Baraton County remains steady at 4.2 percent in July.. The rate is down in Ellsworth and Pawnee counties.
Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 500 from June. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 1,500 over the month, while government decreased by 1,000. The largest job gains in the private sector were in private education and health services (+1,800 jobs). The largest decrease was in manufacturing (-1,400 jobs).
Since July 2025 Kansas’ seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs have increased by 5,600. This change is due to an increase of 9,000 private sector jobs and a decrease of 3,400 government jobs.