econnection (May 2019)

Employment grew in almost all sectors across the Kansas economy in 2018, leading to total nonfarm employment growth of 0.9 percent. This was a sizable improvement in employment compared to the near-zero employment growth statewide in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, the Kansas economy added more new jobs than in the previous three years combined. Kansas’ unemployment rate continued its eight year decline in 2018, reaching 3.4 percent, its lowest level since 1999. Initial unemployment insurance claims in Kansas reached their lowest level in more than 30 years in 2018, another sign of a tight labor market and growing economy. Nationally, the unemployment rate also continued its decline in 2018 to 3.9 percent. 

In Kansas, the economy is expected to add more than 12,000 new jobs in 2019 as employment grows by 0.9 percent. The production and service sectors are forecast to lead growth, while growth is the trade transportation and utilities sector and government sector are projected to be more modest

See full forecast for Kansas and select metros at forecast.cedbr.org

The Council for Community and Economic Research released its annual Cost of Living Index for 270 urban areas. Wichita’s overall Index value was 31.3 percentage points below the national average value of 100. The most expensive urban area in which to live was New York (Manhattan), N.Y., with an Index value more than twice that of the national average. The least expensive urban area was Kalamazoo, MI which was nearly 43 percent below the national average.

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To compare cost of living between Kansas and other areas, try our cost of living calculator.

To subscribe to the Cost of Living Index report, or to learn more about The Council for Community and Economic Research, visit their website.