Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.7% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 3,400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Kansas City, MO-KS market rose by 1,637 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 2.7%. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Kansas City, MO-KS unemployment rate is 70 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 40 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 5.4% 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 October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.7% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 219,200; +2,600
  • Business Services: 186,800; +200
  • Education & Healthcare: 163,700; +3,400
  • Government: 146,000; +700
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 107,900; -200
  • Manufacturing: 80,500; -800
  • Financial Services: 76,700; +1,000
  • Construction, Mining: 61,300; +100
  • Other Jobs: 42,100; +300
  • IT & Development: 16,300; no change
Kansas City, MO-KS Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.