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The jobless rate in Arkansas fell six-tenths of a percentage in February to 5.0 percent from 5.6 percent in January, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics and released Friday by the state Department of Workforce Services.

The United States' jobless rate fell one-tenth of a percentage point over the month, going from 4.9 percent to 4.8 percent.

Arkansas' civilian labor force dropped 12,900 since January. There are 4,600 fewer employed and 8,300 fewer unemployed Arkansans.

"Although the decrease of six-tenths of a percentage point in the unemployment rate is unexpected between January and February," Kimberly Friedman, communications director of the state office, said in a statement, "the rate is consistent with historical trends for the month of February. The decline in the rate is largely attributed to the reduction in the number of unemployed."

Arkansas' nonfarm payroll jobs were up to 1,198,600 in February. Eight major industry sectors showed over-the-month growth, with four adding more than 1,000 jobs, each.

Government posted the largest increase, adding 3,900 jobs as non-teaching personnel returned to public schools and universities.

Leisure and hospitality rang up seasonal gains of 1,800, most of which occurred in accommodations and food services. The opening of the Oaklawn racing season contributed to the expansion.

Seasonal growth also occurred in educational and health services, which picked up 1,400 jobs. Although healthcare and social assistance gained 300 jobs, most of the increase was posted in educational services, as private schools reopened after winter break.

Professional and business services expanded by 1,100 jobs with administrative and support services picking up 700 jobs.

Over the past year, from February 2007 to last month, Arkansas' nonfarm payroll employment rose 5,300. Increases were seen in nine industry sectors with six growing by 1,000 or more jobs.

While most gained, manufacturing lost 7,200 jobs. Both durable goods, which was down 4,700 jobs and nondurable goods, down 2,500 jobs, were affected by continued layoffs and closures over the last year.

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