Arkansas’ unemployment rate remains at 3.6% in February

03/28/2025

Arkansas’ unemployment rate remains at 3.6% in February

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 28, 2025) — Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Policy and Innovation, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced that Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.6% between January and February. The United States’ jobless rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.0% in January to 4.1% in February.

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:

The civilian labor force in Arkansas increased by 1,345 in February, as unemployment (+960) and employment (+385) rose slightly. The civilian labor force and employment both reached new record high levels in February. The changes were not enough to impact the unemployment rate or labor force participation rate, which remained stable over the month.
Compared to February 2024, 18,205 more people are employed in the state. The unemployment rate is up two-tenths of a percentage point, with 4,059 more unemployed Arkansans actively looking for work. The labor force participation is up four-tenths of a percentage point compared to last February.

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:

Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 3,600 in February. The largest increase was in Government (+2,500), as public colleges and universities return to normal staffing levels after the holiday break. Private Education and Health services added 1,400 jobs, split between private educational services (+700) and health care and social assistance (+700).
Compared to February 2024, there are 13,600 more nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas. Jobs in Private Education and Health Services are up 6,600, with most expansions in health care and social assistance (+6,500). Trade-Transportation-Utilities rose 4,400, with hiring seen across all subsectors. Other notable increases were reported in Professional and Business Services (+2,600), Manufacturing (+1,400), and Financial Activities (+1,000).