Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.4% with the biggest shift in Restaurants & Hotels, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Topeka, KS market rose by 836 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 170 bps to 4.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Topeka, KS unemployment rate is 215 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 80 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in February versus prior month by -0.3% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Topeka, KS Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 25,300; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 18,800; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 17,300; no change
  • Business Services: 12,500; +100
  • Manufacturing: 8,100; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 7,300; +200
  • Financial Services: 6,700; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 5,200; -100
  • Other Jobs: 4,600; +100
  • IT & Development: 1,100; no change
Topeka, KS Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.