Little Rock region sets record with 380,038 employed

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials from the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, and the Little Rock Regional Chamber announced Tuesday that the region has reached a new employment milestone.

The Little Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) recorded 380,038 people employed, the highest in its history.

Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, Chamber President Jay Chesshir, and Port Authority Executive Director Bryan Day highlighted the growth as a sign of the region’s economic momentum.

The July jobs report showed the region added 4,255 workers compared with July 2024, and total employment is up by nearly 40,000 since 2020.

Judge Hyde said the milestone reflects collaboration between local government, business, and community in building opportunity through infrastructure, workforce development and innovation.

“The Little Rock region has a long track record of working together to provide the infrastructure to allow us to attract investment and create jobs. Throughout the last five years, our economy has grown rapidly, and with continued partnership, I am certain we will continue to have major announcements in the future,” said Chesshir.

“The Port is proud to announce that we have surpassed more than 11,000 workers at the industries in our 5,000-acre industrial park,” said Day. “We look forward to marketing our Mega Site which will undoubtedly lead to more rapid economic growth for Little Rock and the surrounding region.”

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Little Rock ranks second in five-year GDP growth compared to peer metros including Nashville, Kansas City, and Birmingham.