Arkansas Jobless Rate Falls Slightly

Arkansas’ December unemployment rate fell to 7.4%, down one-tenth of a percent from November.

One year ago, Arkansas’ jobless rate stood at 7.1% in December. The U.S. unemployment rate for December fell three-tenths of a percent to 6.7%.

“Arkansas’ unemployment rate declined in December, largely the result of a gain in employment and a corresponding increase in the size of the civilian labor force. This is the second month in a row that Arkansas’ employment has increased,” said DWS Communications Director Becky Heflin.

In the non-farm payroll jobs report, seven sectors reported job gains, while seven sectors posted losses during the past 12 months.

Dec. 2013 vs. Dec. 2012

Mining/Logging +200
Construction +1,400
Manufacturing -300
Trade/Transportation/Utilities +4,900
Information -200
Financial +2,100
Professional/Business +4,200
Education/Health +3,500
Leisure/Hospitality +600
Other -2,400
Government -1,100