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Unemployment Rate Continues To Decrease In Arkansas

Arkansas Department of Workforce Services
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Arkansas Department of Workforce Services

According to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, unemployment in the state dropped to 3.8 percent in January, which is a record low. The national unemployment rate was 4.8 percent.

The report released Monday reflects data on jobs and joblessness from January 2016 to January 2017. The sector showing the most growth in Arkansas over the year was "professional-scientific-technical services," which added 2,400 jobs.

Susan Price, manager of the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the department, says, "Those types of jobs tend to be like home offices, manufacturing, retail businesses, things like that. They also have your computer technology businesses."

The state's unemployment rate for the same time period a year ago was 3.9 percent. The report notes unemployment in Arkansas has been steadily declining since March 2011.

David Monteith worked as a reporter for KUAR News between 2015 and July 2022.