TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas’ unemployment rate held steady in February, while the state saw a decline in overall job numbers compared to the previous month.
According to preliminary estimates from the Kansas Department of Labor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.9% in February. That figure is unchanged from January but slightly higher than the 3.8% recorded in February 2025.
The state’s labor force participation rate — a measure of how many people are working or actively seeking work — decreased to 67.8% in February.
Employment data shows Kansas lost an estimated 3,800 nonfarm jobs over the month. That total includes both private sector and government employment.
Private sector employment declined by 2,200 jobs in February, while government employment fell by 1,600 positions.
Within the private sector, leisure and hospitality recorded the largest job gains, adding 800 positions. Meanwhile, trade, transportation, and utilities experienced the most significant losses, shedding 1,800 jobs.
Despite the monthly decline, Kansas has seen modest job growth over the past year. Since February 2025, total nonfarm employment has increased by 1,100 jobs. That net gain reflects an increase of 1,300 private sector jobs, offset slightly by a loss of 200 government positions.
State labor officials note the figures are preliminary and subject to revision as additional data becomes available.