Employment and Wages
In Kansas, real estate and leasing industry employment was somewhat stagnant, adding only 27 net jobs, a .2% increase from 2021. Prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, the industry added jobs in seven of the previous eight years, though the employment decline seen in 2020 coupled with its modest rebound leave it current around 2016 levels. Rental and leasing services was the fastest growing component of the industry, experiencing 6.2% growth in 2022, adding 192 jobs. These gains were offset by a 4.1% contraction in activities related to real estate, totaling 282 workers. Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets employment similarly declined by 1.9%, a loss of 34 jobs. Lessors of nonfinancial intangible assets (except copyrighted works) saw the highest wages of any subsector in 2022, increasing by 6.9% to $79,844 from 2021. Meanwhile, real estate and rental and leasing as well as rental and leasing services experienced similar wages of $52,719 and $57,240. Real estate and rental and leasing saw increases of 6.5% from 2021 while rental and leasing services saw an increase of 5.5% over the same period.
News and Developments
- In August 2023, Overland Park City Council approved rezoning for two large developments. The Schlagel Farms project is set to include 200 apartments, 150 townhomes, retail, restaurants, and an event center. Meanwhile, the Metcalf Village project is planned to include 11 buildings with more than 9—residential units and four parks.
- In August 2023, new plans were revealed for the Pallet Shelter Village in Lawrence. The site, aimed at serving people experiencing homelessness, will host 50 cabin-style units in a village setting with community laundry and hygiene trailers.
- In April 2023, the Wichita City Council voted unanimously to start the annexation process of 58 acres of land that has been rezoned for duplexes across from McConnell Air Force base. The intended land would be used for a luxury housing development pending approval from Sedgwick County.
