Arkansas Metro Areas See Job Gains in February
In February, five out of seven metro areas in or connected to Arkansas experienced year-over-year job gains, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report. Northwest Arkansas had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.3%, while Hot Springs, Memphis-West Memphis, and Texarkana had the highest rate at 4.4%.
The four largest metro regions in Arkansas saw a combined 11,560 year-over-year job gains in February, accounting for 63.5% of the state’s total gains. Central Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith, and Jonesboro all saw increases in employment compared to the previous year.
Despite the overall job gains, Arkansas’ state unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.4% in February 2024 to 3.6% in February 2025. Central Arkansas had the most significant increase in employment with 8,015 more jobs compared to the previous year.
Nationally, unemployment rates were higher in 255 of the 387 metro areas, with 15 areas reporting rates below 3% and 12 areas with rates above 8%. Nonfarm payroll employment increased in 21 metro areas, decreased in one area, and remained unchanged in 365 areas.
Overall, the job market in Arkansas showed positive growth in February, with most metro areas seeing gains in employment. The state’s economy continues to show resilience despite challenges in the national job market.
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