Unemployment rate nearly doubles in Emporia after closure of Tyson food plant

EMPORIA (KSNT) - The City of Emporia is still feeling the aftereffects of a major plant closure as local workers look for new jobs.

The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) recently issued its May 2025 labor report which shows employment/unemployment statistics across the state. This report also includes data for the City of Emporia which is still recovering from the closure of the Tyson Fresh Meats plant.

The City of Emporia's unemployment rate has risen to 5.7% in May this year following the closure of the plant, passing the 3.8% statewide unemployment rate, according to KDOL. More than 800 workers were employed at the facility while it was still in operation. Emporia's unemployment was recorded at 3% in May of 2024.

The Tyson Fresh Meats plant was one of the largest employers in Lyon County in 2024, according to the Emporia Chamber of Commerce. Tyson's Emporia workforce accounted for more than 2.2% of Lyon County's total employment statistics last year, behind other big employers like Simmons Pet Food and USD 253.

Layoffs for the plant were initially announced in December 2024 with the last of the workers impacted by these layoffs being let go in the summer of 2025. The plant is now considered to be in its "post-production phase."

The future of the plant and what will be done with it is still uncertain. The City of Emporia continues to offer resources to help former employees of the plant through its Rapid Response Team.

The City of Emporia reported on June 6 that many former Tyson employees remain in the local area with only around 5% relocating away from the city. People who still need help regarding new job opportunities in Emporia are encouraged to click here for more information.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf