Kansas Employment Situation, May 2024

In Kansas in May 2024, the labor force, the number of jobs, and the unemployment rate changed little compared to the previous month. Over the year, Kansas is near the midpoint of states in job growth.

Data released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the United States Department of Labor, shows a nearly unchanged employment picture in Kansas for May 2024 when compared to the previous month.

(Click charts and tables for larger versions.)

Using seasonally adjusted data, from April 2024 to May 2024, nonfarm employment in Kansas rose by 100 jobs (0.0 percent). Over the year, the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs for May 2024 was higher by 24,000 (1.7 percent) over the same month last year. This is using seasonally adjusted data.

Over the year (May 2023 to May 2024), the Kansas labor force fell by 7,667 people (0.5 percent) using seasonally adjusted data from the household survey, with growth of 504 (0.0 percent) over the last month.

When ChatGPT looked at this table, it concluded:

Description

Labor Force:

May 2024: 1,507,193

Slight increase of 504 people (0.0%) from April 2024.

Minor increase of 1,261 people (0.1%) from March 2024.

Decrease of 7,667 people (-0.5%) from May 2023.

Unemployed Persons:

May 2024: 43,851

Increase of 1,803 people (4.3%) from April 2024.

Increase of 1,259 people (3.1%) from March 2024.

Significant increase of 3,880 people (9.7%) from May 2023.

Unemployment Rate:

May 2024: 2.9%

Slight increase of 0.1% from April 2024.

Small increase of 0.1% from March 2024.

Increase of 0.3% from May 2023.

Nonfarm Employment:

May 2024: 1,464,100

Minimal increase of 100 jobs (0.0%) from April 2024.

Slight increase of 3,000 jobs (0.2%) from March 2024.

Increase of 24,000 jobs (1.7%) from May 2023.

Analysis

In May 2024, Kansas saw minimal changes in its labor force, with a slight increase compared to the previous months. However, there was a notable increase in the number of unemployed persons, which pushed the unemployment rate up to 2.9%. This indicates that although the labor force is slightly increasing, a growing number of people are unable to find jobs.

Nonfarm employment remained stable with a marginal increase of 100 jobs from April 2024. Over the past year, there has been a steady increase in nonfarm employment by 24,000 jobs, which is a positive sign. However, the rising unemployment rate suggests that job creation may not be keeping pace with the number of people seeking employment.

Overall, while there are more jobs compared to last year, the growth in unemployed persons indicates potential issues in the job market that need to be addressed to reduce the unemployment rate.

There are now 193,700 (15.2 percent) more jobs in Kansas than in April 2020, which is the low point since the pandemic’s start. There are 34,900 (2.4 percent) more jobs than in February 2020, just before the pandemic. These are counts of nonfarm jobs with employers in Kansas, without regard to the residence of the employee.

Considering employed people from the household survey, there are now 155,631 (11.9 percent) more working people in Kansas than in April 2020, and 3,751 (0.3 percent) more than in February 2020. The household survey counts Kansas residents with nonfarm jobs, without regard to the location of the job.

Comparing Kansas to the nation: Using seasonal data, the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs is 1.67 percent higher than 12 months ago, while nationally, the same statistic is 1.77 percent higher. Non-seasonal data shows the number of Kansas nonfarm jobs is 1.64 percent higher than 12 months ago, while nationally, the same statistic is 1.78 percent higher.

When ChatGPT examined this table of not seasonally adjusted data from the household survey, it concluded:

In May 2024, Kansas’ labor force stood at 1,502,103, reflecting a decrease of 7,509 people (-0.5%) compared to May 2023. This indicates a small reduction in the number of people either working or actively seeking work.

The number of unemployed persons rose significantly to 46,801 in May 2024, up by 7,255 people (18.3%) from May 2023. This sharp increase contributed to the rise in the unemployment rate, which climbed to 3.1% from 2.6% a year earlier, representing a 0.5% increase.

Despite the rise in unemployment, nonfarm employment saw an increase, with 1,472,500 jobs in May 2024, up by 23,800 jobs (1.6%) from May 2023. This growth suggests that the overall job market has expanded, even though it hasn’t fully absorbed all job seekers.

Overall, the data for May 2024 reveals a mixed picture: while there are more jobs available compared to last year, the higher number of unemployed individuals suggests ongoing challenges in matching workers with job opportunities.

Chart 1a shows job changes for Kansas and the nation from the previous month, and we can see both positive and changes for Kansas over the past year. The trend in recent months is negative. ChatGPT looked at this chart and told me this:

The chart titled “Chart 1a. Kansas and National Nonfarm Employment” illustrates the change in nonfarm employment from the previous month for Kansas and the United States, using seasonally adjusted data from employer surveys. Here’s an explanation of what it shows:

Explanation

Kansas Employment (darker line):

Kansas shows significant month-to-month fluctuations in nonfarm employment changes. The graph depicts sharp increases and decreases, indicating a highly variable job market over the past year.

The peaks represent months with significant job gains, while the troughs represent months with job losses.

For instance, Kansas experienced notable job increases around June 2023 and February 2024, while significant decreases are visible around July 2023 and April 2024.

United States Employment (lighter line):

The United States shows a more stable trend compared to Kansas. The changes in nonfarm employment are less volatile, with smaller month-to-month variations.

This stability indicates a more consistent job market across the country, with steady job gains and losses over time.

The national trend tends to hover around 0.1% to 0.3% changes each month, without the extreme fluctuations seen in Kansas.

Analysis

Volatility in Kansas:

The chart suggests that Kansas has a more volatile nonfarm employment situation compared to the national average. This could be due to various local economic factors, industry-specific trends, or seasonal impacts that affect employment more dramatically in Kansas.

National Stability:

The relatively stable trend in the United States indicates that, on a national level, the job market experiences gradual changes rather than abrupt shifts. This stability is beneficial for overall economic planning and growth.

Implications:

For Kansas, the high volatility might pose challenges for workers and employers in terms of job security and workforce planning. Policymakers might need to address the underlying causes of these fluctuations to stabilize the job market.

For the United States, the steady growth reflects a healthier economic environment with predictable employment changes, making it easier for businesses and workers to plan for the future.

Chart 1b shows job changes for Kansas and the nation from the same month one year ago. Growth in Kansas has usually been lower than the nation. ChatGPT looked at this chart and told me this:

The chart titled “Chart 1b. Kansas and National Nonfarm Employment” shows the year-over-year change in nonfarm employment for Kansas and the United States, based on seasonally adjusted data from employer surveys.

Analysis

Volatility in Kansas:

The chart indicates that Kansas’ year-over-year employment growth has been much more volatile compared to the national average. This volatility could be attributed to local economic conditions or specific industries that have a significant impact on the state’s employment.

The recovery starting in early 2024 suggests some improvement in the local job market, but the overall volatility highlights the challenges faced by the Kansas economy.

National Stability:

The national employment change shows a more predictable and stable trend, indicating a healthier and more resilient job market across the United States.

The slight decline in the national growth rate over the year could be due to broader economic factors, but the stability suggests a less turbulent employment environment compared to Kansas.

Implications:

For Kansas, the high volatility in employment change may present challenges for workers and employers, including job security and workforce planning. Addressing the factors causing these fluctuations could help stabilize the job market.

For the United States, the stable employment growth reflects a stronger economic foundation, making it easier for individuals and businesses to plan for the future.

In Chart 3, showing unemployment rates for Kansas and the nation, we see that the rate in Kansas is lower than the national rate, as it had been before the pandemic. The unemployment rate in Kansas is little changed over the last year. ChatGPT says:

The chart titled “Chart 3. Kansas and National Unemployment Rate” presents the seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for Kansas and the United States from May 2023 to May 2024. Here’s what it means:

Explanation

Kansas Unemployment Rate (darker line):

The unemployment rate in Kansas remained relatively stable around 2.6% to 2.7% for most of the period from May 2023 to January 2024.

Starting from February 2024, the unemployment rate began to rise, reaching approximately 3.1% by May 2024.

United States Unemployment Rate (lighter line):

The national unemployment rate started at about 3.6% in May 2023 and showed slight fluctuations over the year.

The national rate generally trended between 3.5% and 3.8%, with minor ups and downs, stabilizing around 3.8% by May 2024.

Analysis

Stability and Increase in Kansas:

Kansas experienced a stable unemployment rate for much of the period, which suggests a relatively steady job market initially.

The increase in the unemployment rate beginning in early 2024 indicates emerging challenges in the Kansas job market, with more people becoming unemployed.

National Trends:

The United States saw a relatively higher and more stable unemployment rate compared to Kansas. The national rate remained consistently above 3.5%, indicating a larger proportion of the workforce was unemployed.

The slight rise towards the end of the period could reflect broader economic conditions impacting employment across the country.

Implications

For Kansas, the rise in the unemployment rate in early 2024 could signal economic challenges that may need addressing to prevent further increases. The initial stability followed by a rise suggests that specific events or trends may have adversely impacted the job market.

For the United States, the generally stable but higher unemployment rate indicates ongoing economic challenges, though the stability suggests no major disruptions. Policymakers might focus on maintaining stability and addressing any factors contributing to the slight increase towards May 2024.

Chart 2a shows monthly changes in the labor force for Kansas and the nation. The Kansas labor force has both expanded and contracted since the pandemic, as has the national labor force.

For industry groups, chart 6b shows the number of employees in various industries in May 2023 and May 2024.

Chart 6a uses the same data but shows the percent change for the same period. When I asked ChatGPT about this data, it provided this analysis:

Overall Growth:

Kansas experienced overall employment growth across most sectors from May 2023 to May 2024, with total nonfarm employment increasing by 1.7%.

Strong Sectors:

The construction (4.9%) and education and health services (4.9%) sectors showed the most significant growth, indicating high demand and expansion in these areas.

Other sectors such as government (2.1%), other services (2.6%), and leisure and hospitality (1.7%) also experienced notable growth.

Declining Sectors:

The information sector (-2.2%) and mining and logging sector (-4.7%) saw declines, indicating challenges or reduced activity in these areas.

Professional and business services experienced a slight decline of 0.6%.

Implications

The growth in sectors like construction and education and health services suggests strong economic activities and potential areas for further investment and development.

The declines in information and mining and logging sectors indicate areas that may need attention or intervention to address underlying issues.

Overall, the data reflects a generally healthy and expanding job market in Kansas, with some sectors outperforming others.

Kansas ranks twenty-first among the states and the District of Columbia in job growth over the past year, and forty-second for growth over the past month. The following chart shows the monthly and annual change in the number of jobs in the states and DC, along with the rank. ChatGPT noticed this:

The chart titled “Chart 3a. Employment in States” illustrates the monthly and annual percentage change in total nonfarm employment for each state in the United States as of May 2024, using seasonally adjusted data from employer surveys. Here’s what it means with a focus on Kansas:

Analysis

Monthly Trends in Kansas:

The 0.0% monthly change suggests a stable job market with no immediate increase or decrease in employment.

This stability could be seen as positive, indicating no recent job losses, but it also shows no short-term job growth.

Annual Trends in Kansas:

The 1.7% annual increase indicates a healthier long-term trend, with a steady rise in employment over the past year.

Kansas’ moderate annual growth rank (21st) places it in the middle of the pack nationally, showing it is performing better than many states but not leading in job growth.

Comparative Insights:

Comparing Kansas’ performance to other states shows it is in a relatively strong position but has room for improvement.

By analyzing leading states in job growth, Kansas can identify best practices and policies to enhance its economic strategies.

Chart 8b shows job change state ranks over time. In this example, Kansas is highlighted.

The report for this month from the Kansas Department of Labor is here. The report from BLS may be found here. It appears there are no news releases or social media posts from Governor Kelly on this topic.