The unemployment rate in Arkansas dropped to 4.0% in July, reflecting a slight improvement from June’s 4.1%, according to a report from the Arkansas Department of Commerce and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The nationwide rate similarly dipped by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.1% during the same period.
The state’s civilian labor force grew last month, adding 1,135 jobs, while the number of unemployed Arkansans seeking work decreased by 972. Over the past year, employment across Arkansas has risen by 22,895 people.
Nonfarm payroll jobs have also grown, increasing by 9,300 since July of last year. Sectors such as professional and business services saw the most significant gains, adding 4,200 jobs year over year.
However, not all industries experienced growth. The financial activities sector reported a decline of 1,400 jobs, while government employment fell by 1,000 positions over the past year, according to the report.