The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that unemployment rates in Arkansas metro areas were down sharply in April compared to a year earlier.  Year-over-year changes ranged from -0.5 percentage points in Little Rock to -1.4 percent in Memphis.  Broadly speaking, the metro areas with the highest unemployment rates a year ago have seen the largest declines over the past 12 months.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)

Smoothed seasonally adjusted estimates for April showed monthly unemployment-rate declines in every metro area except Hot Springs, where the rate was unchanged.  Unemployment was down by 0.2% in  Fort Smith, Pine Bluff, and Texarkana.  Declines of 0.1% were recorded for Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, and Memphis.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Smoothed Seasonally Adjusted Metropolitan Area Estimates

As shown in the chart below, the latest data continue to follow a clear trend of improving employment conditions across the state.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Smoothed Seasonally Adjusted Metropolitan Area Estimates

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