Arkansas Labor Force Participation Hits 14-year High in February

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 22, 2026) — Today, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 4.4% between January and February. The United States jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.3% in January to 4.4% in February.

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:

• Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 3,245 in February, setting another record high. Employment also hit a new record, growing by 3,519 over the month, while the number of unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work declined by 274. The labor force participation rate, or the percentage of Arkansas’ total working-age population that is either employed or seeking employment, increased to 59.2%, a level not seen since October 2012.
• Compared to February 2025, employment is up 19,785. There are 8,465 more Arkansans unemployed and actively seeking work. Both the unemployment rate and the labor force participation rate are up over the year.

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:

• Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 4,200 in February. Six major industry sectors added jobs over the month. The largest gains occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+2,200), Government (+1,900), Professional and Business Services (+1,300), and in Private Education and Health Services (+1,300). Jobs in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities declined by 1,900.
• Compared to February 2025, nonfarm payroll jobs in the state are up 5,100. Notable annual growth was posted in Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+3,400), Private Education and Health Services (+3,300), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,900), and Professional and Business Services (+1,900). The largest annual losses occurred in Manufacturing (-2,500) and Government (-2,000).

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey. More information about the data is available at https://www.bls.gov/cps/definitions.htm

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)

Source: Monthly Survey of Employers, based on 1st Quarter 2025 benchmark. Note: Current month’s data are preliminary; previous month’s data are revised.