Shawnee County GDP Grows
Amid recent growth and economic progress evident throughout Topeka and Shawnee County, the Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka announced the size of Shawnee County’s total economy grew by 10.4 percent between 2020 and 2021, reaching a record high of almost $12 billion. The amount represents a $1.12 billion increase in gross domestic product over the course of 2021.
The data came from Chmura Economics, a top labor market analysis firm, which showed Shawnee County is among the top four largest economies in Kansas, nearly tying Wyandotte County and in the mix with Johnson and Sedgwick counties. Together, these local economies account for about 62 percent of Kansas’ total GDP.
“Among those economies, Shawnee County’s manufacturing-industry output grew the most at almost 12 percent,” said Freddy Mawyin, senior economic advisor for GO Topeka. “Meanwhile, we saw wholesale trade grow by 18 percent, transportation and warehousing grow by 19 percent, professional and scientific services grow by 16 percent, and educational services grow by 12 percent. These results are quite remarkable, and a portion of the growth can be directly attributed to some significant projects led by the GTP and our local partners.”
“Shawnee County’s rising GDP s a great example of how dedicated our community is to supporting the growth of the local businesses and ensuring prosperous outcomes across the board,” said Molly Howey, president of GO Topeka. “We’re constantly working to ensure this community is responsive to the needs of our employers, because when our companies, small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive, out community and its residents thrive.”
“I couldn’t be more encouraged by Topeka and Shawnee County,” said Matt Pivarnik, partnership CEO. “We are witnessing never-before-seen growth in our community. The fact that we saw more output over the past year than we saw throughout the previous four years, is a testament to the amazing progress made possible by the various local partnerships happening at all levels in our community.”
“It really is wild to think about the rapid growth our community has seen in just one year,” said Aaron Mays, Shawnee County Commission chair. “In addition to the economic development projects being driving by groups like JEDO, GO Topeka and our local developers, I commend the area’s business owners nd entrepreneurs who are helping our community set new milestones. This is big news for our local economy, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve in the years to come.”
“This all-time high of economic growth in Topeka and Shawnee County is an amazing feat, and thanks to the many public-private partnerships driving our community forward,” said Topeka Mayor Mike Padilla. “We should take time to celebrate this accomplishment, but please know we are not stopping here.”
“Shawnee County’s historic GDP growth is proof that Kansas’ economic success is not only seen at the state level but is also felt in our local communities,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “My administration will continue to support and invest in our small businesses, infrastructure, and education here and throughout the state so we can continue breaking records well into the future. I am proud of Shawnee County leadership for all the hard work they’ve put into making this happen.”
