Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Arkansas Unemployment Rises to 3.8% Amid Job Growth

9/20/2025

31 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Arkansas's unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in August 2025, up from 3.7% in July and 3.5% a year earlier.
The civilian labor force grew by 2,480, with 1,683 more employed and 797 more unemployed.
Year-over-year, Arkansas added over 18,000 jobs, while unemployment rose by 10%.
The labor force participation rate held steady at 58.4%.
Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, with South Dakota at 1.9%.

History

Historical Context

The Great Recession from 2007 to 2009 led to a peak unemployment rate of 10% in the U.S. by October 2009. Although the economy gradually recovered, Arkansas faced a 3.8% unemployment rate in August 2025, despite adding over 18,000 jobs. This highlights the lingering effects of economic downturns on local labor markets and the need for ongoing job growth initiatives.

1 of 2

Story summary

Arkansas's unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in August 2025, up from 3.7% in July and 3.5% a year earlier.
The civilian labor force grew by 2,480, with 1,683 more employed and 797 more unemployed.
Year-over-year, Arkansas added over 18,000 jobs, while unemployment rose by 10%.
The labor force participation rate held steady at 58.4%.
Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.3%, with South Dakota at 1.9%.

1 / 2