Wichita unemployment rate drops in December
Written on January 24, 2010
The unemployment rate in the Wichita area dropped 0.4 percent to 7.6 percent in December, according to new data from the Kansas Department of Labor.
The state estimates that 15,773 people in Sedgwick, Harvey, Butler and Sumner counties are jobless, out of 321,695 people in the civilian work force.
Wichita’s unemployment rate remains the highest in the state. Kansas City’s rate is 6.9 percent, followed by Topeka at 6 percent, Lawrence at 4.6 and Manhattan at 4.5.
The Wichita unemployment rate in December 2008 was 4.9 percent.
Of the 1,512,406 Kansans in the civilian work force, 95,126 are out of work, for a statewide unemployment rate of 6 us fast cash.3 percent.
The Kansas Department of Labor estimates the state lost 60,000 jobs in 2009. Manufacturing lost 26,100 jobs, professional and business services lost 15,600, and trade, transportation and utilities lost 10,300 jobs during the year.
There were 30,422 initial claims for unemployment benefits in December.
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