In Kansas for March 2021, the labor force grew, the number of people working rose, and the unemployment rate fell.
Data released yesterday from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the United States Department of Labor, shows an improving employment picture in Kansas for March 2021.
(Click charts and tables for larger versions.)
Using seasonally adjusted data, from February 2021 to March 2021, nonfarm employment in Kansas rose by 12,800 jobs (0.9 percent). Over the year, the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs for March 2021 was lower by 48,900 (3.4 percent) over the same month last year. This is using seasonally adjusted data. The non-adjusted figure is 46,600 fewer jobs (3.3 percent).
Over the year (March 2020 to March 2021), the Kansas labor force rose by 14,718 people (1.0 percent) using seasonally adjusted data, with an increase of 2,139 (0.2 percent) over the last month. Non-seasonal data shows an increase of 19,566 (1.3 percent) in the labor force over the year.
Since July, the monthly jobs count has both risen and fallen, usually by small amounts. The increase for March is significantly larger than any change since then. There are now 102,200 more jobs in Kansas than in April 2020, which is the low point since the pandemic. There are 55,800 fewer jobs than in February 2020, just before the pandemic.
The number of unemployed persons fell from February 2021 to March 2021 by 669 (1.2 percent). The unemployment rate was 3.7 percent in March, up 0.5 from last March, and down 0.1 percentage points from last month.
Comparing Kansas to the nation: Using seasonal data, the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs is 3.44 percent lower than 12 months ago, while nationally, the same statistic is 4.46 percent lower. Non-seasonal data shows the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs is 3.29 percent lower than 12 months ago, while nationally, the same statistic is 4.37 percent lower.
Click charts and tables for larger versions.
In the following chart showing job changes from the previous month, we can see the larger increase in jobs for March compared to months since August.
In the following chart of job levels from the same month one year ago, the recent monthly figures show the recovery continuing in most months.
In the following chart of unemployment rates, we see that the rate in Kansas is lower than the national rate, both before and after the pandemic. The unemployment rate in Kansas is generally declining, but not in every month.
In the following chart of changes in the labor force for Kansas and the nation, the labor force has both grown and shrank since the pandemic.
For industry groups, the following charts show the number of employees in various industries in March 2020 and March 2021.
This chart uses the same data, but shows the percent change from March 2020. The Information category is lowest, proportionally, followed by the Mining and logging category. The Construction and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities industry groups have gained employees.
The report for this month from the Kansas Department of Labor is here. The report from BLS may be found here.
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