The unemployment rate in Arkansas rose to 4 percent in September, up from 3.9 percent a month earlier, the state Department of Workforce Services said.
The latest figures, released Friday, reflected about 1,500 more unemployed Arkansans and about 540 fewer employed Arkansans in September than were reported in August, the agency said in a statement.
The number of unemployed Arkansans was down by nearly 11,400 from the same period a year earlier, when the state's unemployment rate was 5 percent, the statement noted.
The state says four industry sectors added jobs last month, led by an increase of 13,000 jobs in the government sector, which was primarily linked to seasonal hiring at public schools and universities.
Educational and health services added 4,600 jobs, manufacturing increased by 1,000 jobs and trade, transportation and utilities decreased by 1,600 jobs.
The U.S. unemployment rate in September was 5 percent, up from 4.9 percent in August.
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.