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Fort Smith Metro Adds 1,000 Jobs Amid Rising Unemployment

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In August 2025, the Fort Smith metro area added 1,000 nonfarm jobs year over year, reaching 103,600.
Trade, Transportation, Utilities, and Education and Health Services drove most growth.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in August 2025, up from 3.6% in August 2024, with 4,219 unemployed.
Manufacturing jobs showed slight recovery but remained over 60% below their June 1999 peak.

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Story summary

In August 2025, the Fort Smith metro area added 1,000 nonfarm jobs year over year, reaching 103,600.
Trade, Transportation, Utilities, and Education and Health Services drove most growth.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.1% in August 2025, up from 3.6% in August 2024, with 4,219 unemployed.
Manufacturing jobs showed slight recovery but remained over 60% below their June 1999 peak.