Arkansas unemployment rates keeps dropping in April jobs report, jobs at record high

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The unemployment and jobs numbers were good news for Arkansas in the latest Division of Workforce Services report.

The Friday report showed Arkansas’s unemployment rate at 3.4% for April, continuing a steady decline over four months. The report also showed nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 13,900 in April to reach 1,377,000, a record for Natural State jobs.

In April 2023, Arkansas jobs were at 1,352,900, showing a jump of 24,100 from a year ago.

The report showed the Natural State’s civilian labor force increased by 2,731 in April, as 3,557 more Arkansans were employed compared to March.

The report’s authors stated the national rate rose a tenth of a percent in April to 3.9%, wiping out March’s tenth of a percent drop.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders was understandably pleased with the April report and said it bodes well for the state economy.

“Arkansas’ strong workforce, low taxes, and pro-business environment are spurring job growth across the state,” Sanders said. “As Governor, I’m committed to enacting more policies that help all Arkansans thrive, including responsibly phasing out our state income tax to let everyone keep more of their hard-earned money.”

Department of Finance and Administration Secretary Jim Hudson said in response to the report that his agency is projecting a substantial revenue surplus and record reserve funds for the state.