Arkansas’ unemployment rate holds steady at 3.3%

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 22, 2024) ─ Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Workforce Policy and Innovation, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 3.3% between August and September.  The United States’ jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.2% in August to 4.1% in September. 

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary: 

• Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 3,397 in September, a result of 4,341 additional employed and 944 fewer unemployed Arkansans.  The gains in employment and resulting increase in the civilian labor force pushed the labor force participation rate up to 58.1%.  Both the civilian labor force and employment remain at record high levels. 

• Compared to September 2023, there are 29,007 more employed in the State.  The unemployment rate is down three-tenths of a percentage point, with 3,802 fewer unemployed Arkansans actively looking for work.  Arkansas’ labor force participation rate rose from 57.6% in September 2023 to 58.1% in September 2024.   

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary: 

• In September, nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 10,800.  Gains were posted in Government (+13,200) and Private Education and Health Services (+2,500), an expected increase related to the start of the new school year.  Education-related hiring more than offset small losses in other industries. 

• Compared to September 2023, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs are up 17,400.  Expansions occurred in Private Education and Health Services (+9,600), Construction (+2,600), Government (+1,900), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+1,700), and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,500).   

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted)