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 3.8% in February, which is unchanged from January.

The unemployment rate in Clay County slightly increased from 3.4% in December to 3.8% in January. Across the area, the jobless rate rose in Dickinson County from 3.7% to 3.9%. Cloud County was unchanged at 3.7%. Marshall County increased 0.2%, to 3.6%. Republic County also had a small increase, from 2.7% to 2.8% in a month. Washington County also rose from 3.5% to 4.2%.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 1,100 from January. Total nonfarm includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs decreased by 500 over the month, while government increased by 1,600.