Arkansas Jobless Rate Down to 5.8 Percent in November

The unemployment rate in Arkansas fell to 5.8 percent in November, down from 6.1 percent in October.

The 5.8 jobless rate matches the U.S. rate, which remained stable between October and November.

According to the state Department of Workforce Services, Arkansas’ civilian labor force rose by 8,100, a result of 10,300 more employed and 2,200 fewer unemployed Arkansans.

In all, Arkansas’ total workforce was 1,315,600 in November, down by 10,700 from the same time last year.

“Arkansas’ unemployment rate dropped three-tenths of a percentage point in November, due in large part to the increase in employment,” said DWS communications director Becky Heflin. “This month’s addition of 10,300 employed is the largest employment gain of 2014.”

The largest industry sector gains for November were seen in trade, transporation and utilities (plus 5,400 jobs) with the majority of those in retail trade (plus 3,700), and government (plus 1,300).

The biggest drops came in professional and business services (minus 2,400) and leisure and hospitality (down 1,200, most of it seasonal).

Year-to-year, the biggest gainers are manufacturing (plus 5,400), construction (4,000) and education and health services (3,600).

See the full November report here.