Arkansas labor force reaches all-time high in January

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 8, 2026)— The Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, today released the first monthly Arkansas employment report of 2026. In January, Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4%, from 4.3% in December 2025. The December 2025 unemployment rate was originally estimated to be 4.2% but was revised up to 4.3%*. The United States jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.4% in December 2025 to 4.3% in January 2026.

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary: 

• The civilian labor force increased by 2,644 in January, reaching a record high of 1,451,310. Employment also hit a record high, increasing by 1,205 over the month. The number of unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work increased by 1,439, pushing the unemployment rate up to 4.4%. The labor force participation rate increased to 59.1% in January, a level not seen in Arkansas since 2012.
• Compared to January 2025, employment has grown by 17,185; there are 9,520 more unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work, and the unemployment rate is up six-tenths of a percentage point. Arkansas’ labor force participation rate has increased from 58.4% to 59.1% over the year.

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary:

• Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas decreased by 17,800 in January, a typical seasonal decline. The largest loss was in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-5,200) related to the end of temporary hiring for the holidays. Other notable seasonal losses occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-3,700) and Government (-2,800), due to the holiday break at schools and universities.
• Compared to January 2025, there are 9,200 additional nonfarm payroll jobs in the state. Five major industry sectors posted annual growth, with Trade, Transportation, and Utilities adding 5,500 jobs. Other sizable over-the-year expansions were seen in Private Education and Health Services (+3,500), Professional and Business Services (+2,700), and in Leisure and Hospitality (+2,300).

Arkansas Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted)

Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)

Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates: Arkansas vs. United States (3-Year Comparison)

Data for October 2025 is not available due to a lapse in federal appropriations.

Job Gains/Losses by Major Industry Sectors: January 2025 to January 2026 (Not Seasonally Adjusted)

*Annual Data Revisions

Civilian Labor Force: Arkansas’ Civilian Labor Force estimates are undergoing annual processing in accordance with U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, guidelines. The purpose of annual processing is to incorporate more complete and accurate information into the estimation process, including updated population data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Statewide CLF data was revised back to January 2021 and is now available on Discover Arkansas here. All sub-state CLF data (counties, Metropolitan Statistical Areas, Micropolitan Statistical Areas, Local Workforce Development Areas, and cities) will be revised back to January 2016. Sub-state data will be published May 19, 2026, on Discover Arkansas and bls.gov. More information concerning annual processing is available here.

Nonfarm Payroll Jobs: In accordance with the same guidelines, the Current Employment Statistics program re-estimated the Nonfarm Payroll Job series to include more comprehensive and precise information in the calculations.

Statewide Nonfarm Payroll Job estimates were revised back to January 1990. Estimates for the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, and Fort Smith MSAs were revised back to January 1990. Estimates for the Hot Springs and Jonesboro MSAs were revised back to April 2020. All revised Nonfarm Payroll Jobs data is available on the Discover Arkansas website.