Kansas Unemployment Rate Remains Steady in February 2026

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) has reported that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February 2026 stands at 3.9%, unchanged from January 2026 and slightly higher than the 3.8% recorded in February 2025. The labor force participation rate has decreased to 67.8%. In Saline County, the unemployment rate remained stable at 3.7%, while Dickinson County saw a decline from 4.1% to 4.0%. Lincoln County's rate also dropped from 4.5% in January to 4.0% in February.

Jobless rate remains steady across the region

Preliminary estimates indicate a decrease of 3,800 nonfarm payroll jobs in Kansas from January to February 2026. This decline includes a loss of 2,200 jobs in the private sector and 1,600 jobs in government employment. The leisure and hospitality sector recorded the most significant job gains, adding 800 positions, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector experienced the largest losses, shedding 1,800 jobs. Over the past year, Kansas has seen an increase of 1,100 nonfarm jobs, attributed to a rise of 1,300 private sector jobs, despite a decrease of 200 government jobs.

Jobless rate remains steady across the regionKansas February Unemployment Unchanged from January – Ad Astra Radio

In addition to Saline County's 3.7% rate, other regional unemployment figures for February include McPherson County at 3.3%, Marion County at 3.6%, Harvey County at 4.1%, Reno County at 4.4%, Rice County at 3.9%, Ellsworth County at 3.3%, and Ottawa County at 3.5%. These figures illustrate a varied employment landscape across the state.

Kansas February Unemployment Unchanged from January – Ad Astra Radio

The KDOL noted that the employment numbers are recovering from disruptions caused by the federal government shutdown last fall, which affected reporting during that period. The KDOL's media release emphasized the importance of these statistics in understanding the current labor market dynamics in Kansas.

Jobless rate remains steady across the region

Some analysts have expressed concern regarding the stagnation of the unemployment rate, suggesting that the lack of improvement could indicate underlying issues in the job market. Critics argue that the decrease in labor force participation may reflect broader economic challenges that need to be addressed.

Jobless rate remains steady across the region

While the KDOL reports a stable unemployment rate, some local sources have indicated slight variations in regional unemployment figures, highlighting the need for consistent data reporting across counties. Additionally, the impact of the federal government shutdown on employment statistics remains a point of discussion among economists.

Jobless rate remains steady across the region

“Due to the federal government shutdown last fall, employment numbers are catching up from the months when reports were not issued.” — Kansas Department of Labor

Kansas February Unemployment Unchanged from January – Ad Astra Radio

“The largest job gains came in the leisure and hospitality sector.” — Kansas Department of Labor

Kansas February Unemployment Unchanged from January – Ad Astra Radio

This comprehensive overview of Kansas's unemployment landscape in February 2026 highlights both the current statistics and the broader implications for the state's economy.

Jobless rate remains steady across the region