Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.5% with the biggest shift in Business Services, which gained 2,800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in January 2022.

Total employment in the Kansas City, MO-KS market declined by 2,742 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 2.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 4 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Kansas City, MO-KS unemployment rate is 86 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 50 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 6% 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 November 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 221,500; +1,400
  • Business Services: 190,300; +2,800
  • Education & Healthcare: 162,200; -1,300
  • Government: 146,000; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 106,400; -1,700
  • Manufacturing: 81,400; +700
  • Financial Services: 76,400; -300
  • Construction, Mining: 61,800; +400
  • Other Jobs: 42,500; +200
  • IT & Development: 16,300; no change
Kansas City, MO-KS Unemployment by Industry November 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2022 (Data published January 2022 and reports created on January 3, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.