Lyon County Unemployment Rises to 3.9%

Lyon County posted an unemployment rate of 3.9 percent in November, slightly above the statewide rate of 3.8 percent but still below the national average of 4.6 percent, according to data released by the Kansas Department of Labor. The local rate rose from 3.1 percent a year ago, an increase of 0.8 percentage points.

The area's labor force totaled 17,392 workers in November, with 16,715 employed and 677 actively seeking work. While the rate remains historically low, it exceeds both the state and several neighboring counties. Emporia State University and manufacturing support the local workforce.