Arkansas Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.0% in July as Record Employment Continues
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Aug. 21, 2026) — Today, the Arkansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with the Bureau of Labor Statistics, announced Arkansas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.1% in June to 4.0% in July. At 4.1%, the United States’ jobless rate also declined one-tenth of percentage point over the month.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force Summary
- The civilian labor force in Arkansas increased by 163 in July, with 1,135 more employed in the state. Both series remain at record high levels. The number of unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work declined by 972, pushing the unemployment rate down for a third consecutive month.
- Compared to July 2025, there are 22,895 more employed Arkansans. Unemployment is stable over the year (+131) while the size of the labor force is up by 23,026, resulting in a labor force participation rate increase of six-tenths of a percentage point.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Job Summary
- Nonfarm payroll jobs fell by 16,500 in July, an expected seasonal decrease. The summer break at schools and universities affected jobs in Government (-11,300) and Private Education and Health Services (-1,700). Some declines in Leisure and Hospitality (-1,800) and in Professional and Business Services (-1,400) also occurred due to seasonal school closures.
- Compared to July 2025, Arkansas’ nonfarm payroll jobs are up 9,300. Professional and Business Services added 4,200 jobs, split between Administrative and Support Services (+2,300) and Professional-Scientific-Technical Services (+1,900). Other notable expansions occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+3,700), Trade-Transportation-Utilities (+3,300), and Construction (+1,000). Financial Activities (-1,400) and Government (-1,000) posted the largest declines over the year.
Arkansas Civilian Labor Force (Seasonally Adjusted)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey.
Arkansas Nonfarm Payroll Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted, In Thousands)
Source: Monthly Survey of Employers, based on 1st Quarter 2025 benchmark. Note: Current month’s data are preliminary; previous month’s data are revised.
3-Year Comparison | AR vs. U.S. Unemployment Rates (Seasonally Adjusted)
Data for October 2025 is not available due to a lapse in federal appropriations.
Job Gains/Losses by Major Industry Sector July 2025-July 2026 (Not Seasonally Adjusted)
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