Overall unemployment rate moved up to 5.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Fort Smith, AR-OK market declined by 331 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 5.5%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Fort Smith, AR-OK unemployment rate is 105 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 170 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 2.9% 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 February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs stayed flat. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 23,500; no change
  • Government: 18,100; +500
  • Manufacturing: 16,700; -100
  • Education & Healthcare: 16,700; -100
  • Business Services: 11,500; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 8,000; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 5,400; no change
  • Other Jobs: 4,500; no change
  • Financial Services: 3,700; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,000; -100
Fort Smith, AR-OK Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.