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Arkansas’ Unemployment Rate Drops to 2.8% in April
Little Rock, Ark., May 19, 2023- Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3.0% in March to 2.8% in April. Down to 3.4% in April, the United States jobless rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point over the month.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- In April, Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 2,945. There were 4,831 more employed and 1,886 fewer unemployed in the State, pushing the unemployment rate down to a new record low of 2.8%. Employment has increased for seven consecutive months, with the labor force participation rate increasing to 57.5% in April.
- Compared to April 2022, there are 12,869 more employed Arkansans. The unemployment rate is down three-tenths of a percentage point over the year, while the labor force participation rate remains two-tenths of a percentage point lower than last April.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- In April, nonfarm payroll jobs increased to 1,360,700, setting a new record high. Jobs in Leisure and Hospitality rose by 6,900, mostly in Food Services (+5,500). Jobs in Construction increased by 1,900, a typical season expansion. Financial Activities, Professional and Business Services, and Government added 1,100 jobs each.
- Compared to April 2022, nonfarm payroll jobs are up 33,800. The largest increases were in Leisure and Hospitality (+9,100), Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+6,500), Private Education and Health Services (+5,700), Construction (+5,300), and Manufacturing (+2,300).
