Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.3% with the biggest shift in Education & Healthcare, which gained 200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in June 2021.

Total employment in the Fort Smith, AR-OK market rose by 1,694 jobs in April and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 4.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 43 bps over the same time to 5.7%.

  • Fort Smith, AR-OK unemployment rate is 145 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 650 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in April versus prior month by -1.4% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Fort Smith, AR-OK Unemployment April 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 23,500; no change
  • Government: 17,900; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 17,000; +200
  • Manufacturing: 16,600; -100
  • Business Services: 12,000; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 8,600; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 5,600; +100
  • Other Jobs: 4,700; no change
  • Financial Services: 3,800; +100
  • IT & Development: 1,000; -100
Fort Smith, AR-OK Unemployment by Industry April 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through April 2021 (Data published June 2021 and reports created on June 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.