Workforce Potential

Even though Arkansas's unemployment rate has usually been below the national average since October 2001, there is a large group of workers seeking new opportunities. Demographic information indicates that many of these potential workers - college students, retirees, and second income workers - are the part-time employees sought by office-sector businesses.

College Students

Arkansas has a strong commitment to higher education. Since the early 1980s, the state has greatly increased funding for merit-based financial aid programs and operating funds for the state's public universities and colleges. The commitment has paid off. Today, the college entry rate is on par with the rest of the nation. In Fall 2005, more than 141,500 students enrolled in one of the 33 state-supported two-year and four-year colleges and universities located throughout the state.

Retirees

Arkansas is an obvious choice for those searching for a place to retire. The state's natural beauty, combined with the low cost of living, make Arkansas the retirement destination for people from all parts of the country. In fact, Arkansas consistently ranks as one of the top retirement states in the nation; all regions of the state have a larger percentage of residents 65 or older than the national average.

Second Income Earners and Part-Time Employees

All regions of the state also have a high proportion of households that support second income earners, indicating choice recruiting ground for businesses wanting to hire these people and/or part-time employees.