Find a Job You Really Want In
Preparing for a job search in 2026?
If so, you may be wondering about the current state of the job market in your area and how it compares to other cities. Job markets can vary significantly even within the same state, making job hunting in one locale a breeze while proving extremely challenging in another.
At Zippia, we analyze data to uncover the best locations for job seekers. Our latest research focuses on the easiest places to find employment in Kansas in 2026.
Here are the ten hottest job markets in Kansas.
The 10 Hottest Job Markets In Kansas
These ten cities represent the best opportunities for job seekers in Kansas. Continue reading for a detailed breakdown of our methodology. If your city didn’t make the top 10, keep scrolling to find its position on the complete list.
How We Determined the Best Job Markets in Kansas
We utilized the latest data from the Census American Community Survey to analyze the key metropolitan areas in Kansas, focusing on cities with a civilian working population of over 5,000.
While the unemployment rate is a vital indicator of the job market’s health, it is just one of many factors. To provide a comprehensive overview, we examined multiple variables affecting job availability.
We ranked each metro area from 1 to 33 based on four categories:
- Unemployment Rate
- Change in Unemployment Rate
- Household Income Change
- Current Average Household Income
A lower score in each category indicates a stronger job market. For instance, Prairie Village earned the top spot with an unemployment rate of just 1.7%. The average of the four ranked categories was used to compile the final list, ranking the 33 metro areas from 1 to 33.
1. Prairie Village
Unemployment Rate: 1.74%
Average Income: $117,370
2. Leawood
Unemployment Rate: 2.38%
Average Income: $230,714
3. Andover
Unemployment Rate: 2.75%
Average Income: $107,086
4. Lenexa
Unemployment Rate: 2.66%
Average Income: $109,786
5. Overland Park
Unemployment Rate: 3.4%
Average Income: $111,072
6. Leavenworth
Unemployment Rate: 4.09%
Average Income: $77,042
7. Merriam
Unemployment Rate: 3.41%
Average Income: $72,724
8. McPherson
Unemployment Rate: 2.63%
Average Income: $73,004
9. Derby
Unemployment Rate: 2.88%
Average Income: $87,147
10. Mission
Unemployment Rate: 2.03%
Average Income: $74,067
Measuring the Best Job Markets in Kansas
You might be thinking, “I live in Prairie Village but have been struggling to find work—this can’t be right!” That’s a valid concern.
While Prairie Village boasts the hottest job market in Kansas, individual circumstances vary widely. Factors such as education, work experience, and specific job fields significantly impact job seekers’ success. However, overall, individuals in Prairie Village are likely to find job opportunities more readily than those in cities ranking lower on the list.
Detailed List of the Hottest Job Markets in Kansas
| Rank | Place | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Prairie Village | 1.74% |
| 2 | Leawood | 2.38% |
| 3 | Andover | 2.75% |
| 4 | Lenexa | 2.66% |
| 5 | Overland Park | 3.4% |
| 6 | Leavenworth | 4.09% |
| 7 | Merriam | 3.41% |
| 8 | McPherson | 2.63% |
| 9 | Derby | 2.88% |
| 10 | Mission | 2.03% |
| 11 | Olathe | 3.14% |
| 12 | Shawnee | 3.52% |
| 13 | Dodge | 6.29% |
| 14 | Hutchinson | 4.68% |
| 15 | Gardner | 3.6% |
| 16 | Wichita | 5.83% |
| 17 | Garden | 4.73% |
| 18 | Great Bend | 4.29% |
| 19 | Junction | 6.85% |
| 20 | Hays | 2.75% |
| 21 | Manhattan | 5.27% |
| 22 | Haysville | 2.96% |
| 23 | Lawrence | 4.32% |
| 24 | Topeka | 5.01% |
| 25 | Winfield | 4.5% |
| 26 | Ottawa | 5.76% |
| 27 | Newton | 2.74% |
| 28 | Pittsburg | 4.49% |
| 29 | El Dorado | 7.15% |
| 30 | Salina | 3.85% |
| 31 | Kansas | 7.6% |
| 32 | Emporia | 7.06% |
| 33 | Liberal | 5.06% |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
