Slight decline shown in local unemployment rate

Unemployment figures announced today showed a slight decline in the local unemployment rate.

Unemployment was 6.3 percent in Kansas City, Kan., and Wyandotte County, according to figures from the Kansas Department of Labor. That compares to 7.1 percent in February 2015 and 7.3 percent for March 2014 for Wyandotte County.

Kansas City, Kan., tied with Junction City, Kan., for the highest unemployment rate of the larger cities in the state, according to the figures.

Wyandotte County had the third highest unemployment rate of all counties, with Neosho County at 7.6 percent and Linn County at 6.7 percent, according to statistics.

Statewide, the unemployment rate for March was 4.2 percent, seasonally adjusted, the same as last month, and slightly lower than 4.6 percent one year ago, according to the Department of Labor.

The Kansas secretary of labor said the rate shows a steady economy with high labor force participation from Kansas residents.