Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 5,300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Kansas City, MO-KS market declined by 7,860 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 3.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Kansas City, MO-KS unemployment rate is 106 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 190 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 1.3% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Kansas City, MO-KS Unemployment September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs stayed flat. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 219,900; +1,400
  • Business Services: 194,200; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 160,000; +2,800
  • Government: 146,200; +5,300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 107,300; -3,500
  • Manufacturing: 82,300; -3,300
  • Financial Services: 76,300; -500
  • Construction, Mining: 55,200; -1,300
  • Other Jobs: 40,700; -600
  • IT & Development: 13,500; -400
Kansas City, MO-KS Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.