Arkansas unemployment rate remains stable in July

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas officials reported that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 3.7% in July.

The civilian labor force in Arkansas rose by 903 in July, as both employment and unemployment increased slightly, officials said.

According to a spokesperson, nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 8,700 in July, mainly due to summer break at schools. Government jobs dropped 10,900, including local government educational services (-9,600) and state government educational services (-1,500).

Six major industry sectors posted gains in July, including Leisure and Hospitality (+900), Construction (+800), and Financial Activities (+400).

According to officials, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs are up 26,100 compared to July 2024.  

Notable increases occurred in Private Education and Health Services (+12,000), Leisure and Hospitality (+6,000), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+4,600), Professional and Business Services (+3,200), and Manufacturing (+2,400), officials said.