Arkansas' unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.5% between December and January, the state Division of Workforce Services said Monday.
At the same time, the U.S. jobless rate rose one-tenth of a percentage point, from 3.5% in December to 3.6% in January.
"The revision of statewide civilian labor force calculations shows that Arkansas' unemployment rates in 2019 were, for the most part, lower than originally estimated," BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release. "Updated data indicates that the jobless rate stayed between 3.5% and 3.6% last year, with the January rate unchanged from December 2019."
Compared to January 2019, nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas are up by 17,100. Five major industry sectors posted growth, while five others lost jobs.
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Jobs in educational and health services were up by 4,100, with most of the expansion in health care and social assistance.
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Employment in construction rose by 1,800, related in part to ongoing projects.
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Trade, transportation and utilities added 1,600 jobs; transportation-warehousing-utilities and wholestrade trade gains more than offset a decline in retail trade.
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Jobs in manufacturing decreased by 2,200, all in durable goods manufacturing.
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Government gained 1,200 jobs.
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Other services employment increased by 900.
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Employment in financial activities and information decreased by 500 and 300, respectively.
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Leisure and hospitality gained 300 jobs.
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Professional and business services lost 100 jobs.
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Mining and logging neither gained nor lost jobs.
