Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined to 3.5 percent in September, down one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month, according to a report released Friday by the state Department of Workforce Services.
The report showed Arkansas’ civilian labor force declined by 1,220, the result of 891 fewer unemployed and 329 less employed.
The U.S. jobless rate also declined, by two-tenths of a percentage point, to 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent in August.
“Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined for the third consecutive month. September’s rate of 3.5 percent is the lowest in Arkansas’ recorded history, breaking last year’s record low of 3.6 percent,” BLS Program Operations Manager Susan Price said in a news release.
Year over year, the report said, six major industry sectors posted growth and five sectors saw losses.
The largest increase was in professional and business services, up by 6,700 jobs. Most of the gains were in administrative and support services, which includes employment agencies.
Manufacturing and construction added 2,300 jobs and 1,500 jobs, respectively. Both nondurable and durable goods manufacturing posted gains.
Trade, transportation and utilities gained 1,300 jobs, mostly in transportation, warehousing and utilities.
Financial activities, the sector that includes real estate, insurance and banking, added 1,000 jobs. Education and health services added 900 jobs.
The information sector and the mining and logging sector lost 1,000 jobs and 500 jobs, respectively.
Leisure and hospitality lost 800 jobs, while other services lost 500 jobs and government lost 200 jobs.
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