The Arkansas unemployment rate held steady in February, according to new data released by the Arkansas Department of Commerce.
The seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained at 4.4% from January to February. Nationally, the unemployment rate rose slightly, increasing from 4.3% to 4.4%.
Arkansas’ civilian labor force grew by 3,245 in February, reaching another record high. Employment also hit a record level, increasing by 3,519, while the number of unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work declined by 274. The state’s labor force participation rate rose to 59.2%, its highest level since October 2012.
Compared to February of last year, Arkansas has added 19,785 employed workers. However, the number of unemployed Arkansans has also increased by 8,465 over that time.
Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas rose by 4,200 in February. The largest monthly gains were seen in leisure and hospitality, government, professional and business services, and private education and health services. Trade, transportation, and utilities posted the biggest decline.
Over the past year, nonfarm payroll jobs in the state are up 5,100. Growth was led by trade, transportation, and utilities, along with private education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and professional and business services. The largest annual losses were reported in manufacturing and government.
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