Arkansas’ unemployment rate increases to 3.7% in March
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 18, 2025) Today, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point, from 3.6% in February to 3.7% in March. The United States jobless rate also increased one-tenth of a percentage point over the month, up to 4.2% in March.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 260 in March, a result of 502 more unemployed job seekers and 242 fewer employed Arkansans. The unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point, while the labor force participation rate remained stable over the month.
- Compared to March 2024, there are 15,686 more employed in the state. There are 4,739 more unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work, as the unemployment rate is up from 3.4%. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate is up four-tenths of a percentage point over the year.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas rose 5,200 in March to total 1,378,100. The greatest gains were posted in Leisure and Hospitality (+3,200), Manufacturing (+1,200), Construction (+1,100), and Private Education and Health Services (+1,100). The largest loss occurred in Professional and Business Services (-2,100), mostly due to declines in administrative and support services (-1,900).
- Compared to March 2024, there are 13,000 more jobs in the state. The largest annual growth was in Private Education and Health Services (+7,500), with health care and social assistance adding 7,100 jobs. Other notable gains were posted in Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+4,700) and in Manufacturing (+2,100).
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