LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Sep. 19, 2025) — Today, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point, from 3.7% in July to 3.8% in August. At 4.3%, the United States’ jobless rate also rose one-tenth of a percentage between July and August.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased by 2,480, a result of 1,683 more employed and 797 additional unemployed Arkansans actively looking for work. The gains were enough to push the unemployment rate up one-tenth of a percentage point in August, while the labor force participation rate remained stable at 58.4%.
- Compared to August 2024, the number of employed in the state has grown by 8,665. There are 4,889 more unemployed actively seeking employment, as the unemployment rate is up three-tenths of a percentage point. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate is up one-tenth of a percentage point over the year.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs rose 4,900 in August. Gains were mostly seasonal and related to the start of the 2025-2026 school year. Government added 3,700 jobs, mostly in local government-educational services (+2,900). Jobs in private education and health services rose by 1,500, with expansions in both private educational services (+900) and in health care and social assistance (+600).
- Compared to August 2024, nonfarm payroll jobs are up 21,700. The largest growth was posted in private education and health services (+8,700), leisure and hospitality (+5,200), trade-transportation-utilities (+4,100), and manufacturing (+2,700). The greatest loss was in construction, down 1,900 jobs.
