Unemployment numbers are up a little in the Manhattan area, according to estimates just released by the Kansas Department of Labor, but are still the lowest in the state.
The Manhattan metro area, which includes Riley and Pottawatomie Counties, has a 3.6% rate for March, compared to 3.5% in February but still much lower than last March’s 4.2%. The City of Manhattan, Riley County part, was 3.2%, also up slightly from 3.1 in February. The Manhattan-Junction City Combined Statistical Area showed a 4.1% rate, which was steady with February numbers and lower than last year’s 4.9% in March of 2014.
Junction City’s micro-area was 6.5% for this March, up from 6.2% in February.
County numbers include Riley County holding steady at 3.4%, Pottawatomie County which was down a little in March at 3.8%, Clay County was steady at 4.6%, Geary County was up at 6.5%, and Wabaunsee County was down a little at 4.3%.
The Manhattan metro area for Riley and Pottawatomie County continues to have the lowest unemployment percentage in the state. The City of Manhattan by itself at 3.2% is tied for the lowest in the state with the City of Leawood.