LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (July 21, 2026) — Today, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.2% in May to 4.1% in June. At 4.2%, the United States’ jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point between May and June.
The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) ranked as the third highest MSA in the US for percent growth of nonfarm payroll jobs over the year, growing 2.9% since June 2025.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- Arkansas’ civilian labor force increased 1,919 in June, while the number employed rose by 2,830. The size of the labor force and employment both remain at record high levels. Arkansas’ labor force participation also increased to 59.2% in June.
- Compared to June 2025, there are 23,603 more employed in Arkansas. The number of unemployed and the unemployment rate are both up slightly. Growth in the labor force and the working-age population pushed Arkansas’ labor force participation rate up seven-tenths of a percentage point over the year.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 5,800 between May and June, a typical seasonal decrease. Losses were related in large part to the start of summer break at schools, with Government (-5,900) and Private Education and Health Services (-3,000) posting the largest declines. Seasonal hiring occurred in Construction (+1,400) and Leisure and Hospitality (+1,200).
- Compared to June 2025, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas are up 10,000. The largest gains were posted in Leisure and Hospitality (+3,900), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+3,600), Private Education and Health Services (+2,400), and Professional and Business Services (+2,300). Losses occurred in Financial Activities (-1,400) and Government (-1,200).
