Arkansas Real GDP Grew 1.1% in Second Quarter 2026
Arkansas GDP growth lagged behind the 2.2% national average during the second quarter of 2026.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Economic Indicators
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Arkansas saw its real GDP grow by 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026, marking a recovery from the 0.3% decline recorded in the first quarter of the year. This performance placed the state 34th in the nation for GDP growth during that period.
Why it matters
The growth reflects a shift as durable goods manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors supported the economy, offsetting declines in transportation, warehousing, and nondurable goods manufacturing. Understanding these figures provides insight into the localized economic recovery following a downward revision to previous growth estimates.
Arkansas real GDP grew by 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026, ranking 34th among all states, while personal income in the state increased by 2.2% compared to the national average of 4.7%.
The players
Bureau of Economic Analysis
This federal agency is responsible for providing official macroeconomic data, including the gross domestic product statistics for individual states.
The details
The recent data follows a 2.5% downward revision to the state's first-quarter 2026 GDP figures, which now reflect a 0.3% contraction for that period. The latest growth figures span an update cycle covering economic data from 2021 through 2026.
Timeline
In the second quarter of 2025, Arkansas GDP grew 1.7%.
Arkansas GDP declined 0.3% during the first quarter of 2026.
Arkansas GDP grew 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026.
Macro View
These figures follow the pattern of the 2026 Bureau of Economic Analysis quarterly state GDP release, which has highlighted variable recovery speeds across the nation. This trajectory mirrors historical cycles where manufacturing-heavy states experience uneven growth shifts compared to the broader national baseline.
The slower state-level growth compared to the national average may influence local hiring conditions and regional wage growth for Arkansas workers. Residents should monitor these trends as they often correlate with broader shifts in state-level economic stability and household income.
The takeaway
Arkansas is navigating a complex economic period characterized by a return to growth following a recent downward revision of earlier quarters. Investors and residents should track the performance of the manufacturing and trade sectors as key indicators for the state's ongoing economic health.
Further reading
For more on state fiscal trends, visit Arkansas Economic Indicators.
More information
Read the full Bureau of Economic Analysis report for detailed state data.
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