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Arkansas Unemployment Drops to Record 3.7 Percent in February

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Arkansas’ unemployment rate continued to fall in February to the lowest on record, 3.7 percent. The rate was 3.8 percent in January and 4.1 percent in February 2016.

The Arkansas Department of Workforce Services said Arkansas’ civilian labor force rose by 1,436, the result of 1,028 fewer unemployed and 2,464 additional employed Arkansans.

The U.S. jobless rate also decreased one-tenth of a percentage point, dropping from 4.8 percent in January to 4.7 percent in February.

More: See the complete report.

“Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point in February, breaking last month’s record low of 3.8 percent. Dropping to 3.7 percent, this month’s unemployment rate is a new record low for Arkansas,” BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release.

Compared to February 2016, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas increased by 17,400.

Seven major industry sectors reported employment gains, while four sectors posted minor declines.

  • Jobs in educational and health services increased by 8,400, mostly in health care and social assistance.

  • Professional and business services added 5,100 jobs, with the largest growth in administrative and support services.

  • Jobs in manufacturing increased by 2,100. Growth in nondurable goods offset the losses in durable goods.

  • Employment in leisure and hospitality rose by 1,700, all in accommodation and food services.

  • The largest decline was in government employment, which was down by 1,600. Both local and state government reported losses.

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