Unemployment rates up across the region for June

Unemployment rates in the region and the state went up again in June, according to preliminary reports from the Kansas Department of Labor.

In Riley County, the unemployment rate reached 4% in June after it was at 3% in May. Geary County saw a jump from 4.2% in May to 5% in June. Pottawatomie County rose from 2.6% in May to 3.3% in June, and Wabaunsee County’s rate increased slightly from 3% in May to 3.1% in June.

Manhattan’s unemployment rate hit 3.8% in June, up from 2.9% in May.

Statewide, reports show an adjusted unemployment rate of 3.1% in June. In May, that number was 2.9%, and in June 2023, it was 2.6%.

Seasonally adjusted job estimates for Kansas indicate total non-farm payroll employment increased by 7,600 jobs from May. Total non-farm employment includes private sector and government employers. Private sector jobs increased by 2,200 in June, while government jobs increased by 5,400.