FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- July 21, 2023
Zoe Calkins, Communications Director
Arkansas Division of Workforce Services [email protected]
Arkansas’ Unemployment Rate Decreases to 2.6% in June
Little Rock, Ark., July 21, 2023 — Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point, from 2.7% in May to 2.6% in June. This sets another record low unemployment rate for the State. At 3.6%, the United States’ jobless rate also declined one-tenth of a percentage point over the month.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- In June, the civilian labor force in Arkansas increased by 2,903, breaking last month’s record high. Employment rose by 4,221 to a new high of 1,347,866, while unemployment decreased to a new low of 35,815. Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined to 2.6% as the labor force participation rate inched up to 57.6%.
- Compared to June 2022, there are 21,415 more employed and 8,562 fewer unemployed Arkansans. The unemployment rate is down six-tenths of a percentage point over the year and the labor force participation rate is now just one-tenth of a percentage point lower than last June.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- In June, nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 1,800. Most losses were seasonal and related to the end of the 2022-2023 school year, with jobs in Government down 6,900. Professional and Business Services declined 2,700. Seasonal hiring occurred in Construction (+1,900) and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,800).
- Compared to June 2022, nonfarm payroll jobs are up 42,000. The largest growth over the year was in Leisure and Hospitality (+11,900), Private Education and Health Services (+11,100), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+7,500), Construction (+6,700), and Manufacturing (+3,100).
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