Department of Numbers

Arkansas Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Arkansas rose 0.2 percentage points in October 2023 to 3.1%. The state unemployment rate was 0.8 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Arkansas peaked in April 2020 at 10.1% and is now 7.0 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.6% in June 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.5 percentage points. You can also see Arkansas unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Arkansas 3.1% +0.2 -0.4

Unemployment Rate: Arkansas, National

Arkansas monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Arkansas Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Arkansas peaked in April 2020 at 137,037. There are now 94,488 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 35,624 in July 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 6,925. Arkansas job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Arkansas 42,549 +2,616 -5,413

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Arkansas from 1990 to October 2023

Arkansas Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Arkansas
Unemployment Rate
Arkansas
Unemployed
October 2023 3.9% 3.1% 42,549
September 2023 3.8% 2.9% 39,933
August 2023 3.8% 2.7% 37,339
July 2023 3.5% 2.6% 35,624
June 2023 3.6% 2.6% 35,880
May 2023 3.7% 2.7% 37,133
April 2023 3.4% 2.8% 39,021
March 2023 3.5% 3.0% 40,868
February 2023 3.6% 3.2% 43,670
January 2023 3.4% 3.4% 46,604
December 2022 3.5% 3.4% 47,352
November 2022 3.6% 3.5% 47,676