Despite a small increase in state unemployment in March, the major metropolitan areas of Arkansas all posted declines, according to the latest numbers provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Arkansas’ unemployment rate moved slightly higher to 7.8% in March. Arkansas’ February rate was 7.7%, and the March 2009 rate was 7%. The U.S. jobless rate was 9.7% in March, the third consecutive month for that rate.
But in the 8 major metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), unemployment trended lower – significantly lower in several instances.
ARKANSAS METRO AREAS
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers
March 2010: 6.6%
March 2009: 5.9%
February 2010: 7%
Fort Smith
March 2010: 8.3%
March 2009: 7.7%
February 2010: 8.8%
Hot Springs
March 2010: 8.3%
March 2009: 6.9%
February 2010: 8.9%
Jonesboro
March 2010: 7.6%
March 2009: 6.8%
February 2010: 8.2%
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway
March 2010: 7.2%
March 2009: 5.8%
February 2010: 7.6%
Memphis-West Memphis
March 2010: 10.6%
March 2009: 9.6%
February 2010: 10.9%
Pine Bluff
March 2010: 9.9%
March 2009: 8.6%
February 2010: 10.3%
Texarkana
March 2010: 7.5%
March 2009: 5.6%
February 2010: 7.9%
