LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March 17, 2025)— Today, the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services, Workforce Policy and Innovation unit, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained stable at 3.6% between December 2024 and January 2025. The unemployment rate for December 2024 was originally estimated at 3.4% but has been revised to 3.6%. The United States’ jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.1% in December 2024 to 4.0% in January 2025. Please see the annual data revisions information at the end of this release.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary:
- Arkansas’ civilian labor force rose 2,068 in January, due largely to the addition of 1,956 more employed Arkansans. This marks the 36th consecutive month of record-high employment. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate’s upward growth continues, reaching 58.4% in January.
- There are 19,791 more employed people in the state compared to January 2024. The unemployment rate is up two-tenths of a percentage point, while the labor force participation rate is up four-tenths of a percentage point.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:
- Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 16,500 in January. Declines were mostly seasonal. Jobs in Trade-Transportation-Utilities dropped by 5,200, due mostly to the end of temporary holiday hiring. Losses in Government (-3,200) and Leisure and Hospitality (-3,200) were both largely related to winter break at schools and universities.
- Compared to January 2024, nonfarm payroll jobs in the state are up 21,600. Nine major industry sectors posted annual growth, with Private Education and Health Services adding 8,300 jobs. Notable expansions were also seen in Professional and Business Services (+4,500), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+3,800), and Manufacturing (+1,500).
