Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR market declined by 907 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 3.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR unemployment rate is 126 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 320 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in September versus prior month by -0.9% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Unemployment September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 68,900; +800
  • Government: 67,100; +2,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 59,400; +400
  • Business Services: 43,500; -1,200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 31,000; -900
  • Financial Services: 23,800; +300
  • Manufacturing: 19,000; no change
  • Other Jobs: 18,400; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 17,500; -200
  • IT & Development: 5,100; -200
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.