Fort Smith Metro Sees Tourism Sector Lead Job Growth in December

Tourism and trade, transportation, and utilities sectors drive gains, while government and construction see declines.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Fort Smith metro area saw job growth in December, led by the tourism and trade, transportation, and utilities sectors. The tourism sector added 500 jobs compared to the previous year, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector set a new employment record. However, the government and mining, logging, and construction sectors saw declines during the same period.

Why it matters

The Fort Smith metro's economic performance provides insights into the regional economy's recovery from the pandemic. The growth in tourism and trade, transportation, and utilities sectors suggests increased consumer demand and economic activity, while the declines in government and construction point to ongoing challenges. Understanding these sector-level shifts can inform policymakers and business leaders as they navigate the region's economic landscape.

The details

In December 2025, the Fort Smith metro had an estimated 105,200 nonfarm jobs, up 700 jobs or 0.7% compared to December 2024. The tourism (leisure and hospitality) sector added 500 jobs, reaching 9,400 total, while the trade, transportation, and utilities sector grew by 300 jobs to 22,900. However, the government sector declined by 200 jobs, and mining, logging, and construction lost 100 jobs. Overall, five of the top seven job sectors in the metro posted gains since 2020, led by tourism (up 17.5%), manufacturing (up 14.5%), and mining, logging, and construction (up 11.1%).

  • In December 2025, the Fort Smith metro had an estimated 105,200 nonfarm jobs.
  • Compared to December 2024, the metro's job count increased by 700 jobs, or 0.7%.
  • The metro's unemployment rate in December 2025 was 4.4%, up from 3.3% in December 2024.

The players

Fort Smith metro

The Fort Smith metropolitan statistical area, which includes counties in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

The federal agency that collects and publishes employment and unemployment data.

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The takeaway

The Fort Smith metro's job growth, led by the tourism and trade, transportation, and utilities sectors, suggests the regional economy is continuing to recover from the pandemic. However, the declines in government and construction jobs indicate ongoing challenges that policymakers and business leaders will need to address to sustain the metro's economic momentum.