Atchison County

Unemployment in Atchison County crossed 5% for the first time this year, reaching that threshold in July 2026 after climbing steadily from a December 2025 low of 3.3%. The rate has now risen for three consecutive monthly releases—a 51.5% increase that economists often read as a signal of labor market stress. The county's jobless rate stands at 5.0% against a labor force of 8,326 residents.

The timing coincides with other economic movement. Home values have climbed to $189,524 as of late September, up from a March low of $177,457, suggesting housing demand remains intact despite employment softening. However, the housing gains have plateaued in recent months after peaking at $190,733 in mid-July.

Adding to near-term pressures, Atchison County received its first FEMA disaster declaration of 2026 on September 1 for a severe storm event (DR-4940), which opens federal recovery programs for residents and infrastructure. Local reporters should investigate whether the storm event may have contributed to the recent unemployment spike or whether the labor market deterioration is tied to underlying structural shifts in the county's job base.