The unemployment rate in Arkansas edged down in July, according to the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 4.0%, down from 4.1% in June.
The national unemployment rate mirrored this trend, also falling by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1% during the same period.
Arkansas’ labor force saw an increase of 1,135 jobs in July, while the number of unemployed workers declined by 972. When compared to July 2025, there are 22,895 more employed Arkansans. Nonfarm payroll jobs grew by 9,300 over the past year.
The professional and business services sector led job growth over the year, adding 4,200 positions. However, not all sectors saw gains. Employment in financial activities dropped by 1,400 positions, while government jobs recorded a decrease of 1,000.
The report provides year-over-year insights into the changing dynamics of Arkansas’ workforce and reflects a broader stabilization in the state economy.