
Arkansas’ unemployment rate increases to 3.4% in December
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Jan. 28, 2025)— 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 rose one-tenth of a percentage point, from 3.3% in November to 3.4% in December. At 4.1%, the United States jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point in December.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- Arkansas’ civilian labor force rose by 2,544 in December, with 1,487 additional employed and 1,057 more unemployed Arkansans actively looking for work. This movement was enough to push up the unemployment rate to 3.4%. Both the civilian labor force and employment continue to be at record highs.
- Compared to December 2023, there are 34,626 more employed in the state. The unemployment rate is down three-tenths of a percentage point, while labor force participation is up seven-tenths of a percentage point over the year.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- In December, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas rose 1,100. Trade-Transportation-Utilities added 2,800 jobs, related to seasonal hiring for the holidays. Jobs in Professional and Business Services increased by 1,300. Four industry sectors reported typical seasonal losses.
- Compared to December 2023, nonfarm payroll jobs are up 23,200. Nine major industry sectors reported annual growth. The largest gains were in Private Education and Health Services (+11,000), Professional and Business Services (+4,800), Manufacturing (+3,600), and Leisure and Hospitality (+2,200).