The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released preliminary October unemployment rate estimates this week, noting they reached a new low. In southeast Kansas, however, unemployment remains higher than the statewide average.
“Kansans can recognize two important milestones this month. The unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent in October, the lowest rate in 40 years. April 1979 was the last month the unemployment rate was 3.1 percent,” Kansas Secretary of Labor DelÍa GarcÍa said in a release. “Additionally, October established a record high level in the number of Kansans working.”
While Kansas’ overall unemployment rate may be declining, among 15 counties in the southeast corner of the state — Greenwood, Coffey, Anderson, Linn, Woodson, Allen, Bourbon, Elk, Wilson, Neosho, Crawford, Chautauqua, Montgomery, Labette and Cherokee — the average unemployment rate was closer to 3.5 percent.
(Read more: Leavenworth Times)