Arkansas GDP Grew 1.1% in Second Quarter of 2026

State economic output trailed the national growth rate as household income in Arkansas rose 2.2% during the period.

Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Economic Indicators

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a shipping container, representing industrial output for Arkansas's economic update. — Arkansas real GDP grew by 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026, driven by gains in durable goods manufacturing and wholesale trade. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Arkansas real GDP grew 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026, ranking 34th among all states. This performance follows a 0.3% decline in the first quarter of the year.

Why it matters

Understanding state-level economic shifts helps residents gauge the local financial climate, as regional output can impact job growth and tax revenue. The state also experienced a 2.5% downward revision to its previously reported first-quarter 2026 GDP figures.

Arkansas real GDP growth of 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026 trails the national growth rate of 2.2%. During the same period, state personal income grew 2.2%.

The details

Growth in Arkansas was supported by performance in the durable goods manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. Conversely, the state saw declines in the transportation, warehousing, and nondurable goods manufacturing industries. Revised data covering 2021 through 2026 reflects these sectoral shifts and adjustments to prior estimates.

Arkansas GDP grew 1.7% in the second quarter of 2025.
Arkansas GDP declined 0.3% in the first quarter of 2026.
Arkansas GDP grew 1.1% in the second quarter of 2026.

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Arkansas Pension Value Grew by $2.75 Billion

Money Landscape

The latest figures update the state's economic standing within the broader national growth cycle. These regional updates follow the Bureau of Economic Analysis state GDP revisions that adjusted historical data back to 2021.

State-level economic trends can influence local labor market conditions and cost-of-living adjustments for public services. Households may want to consult a qualified financial professional to discuss how local sector shifts might impact their long-term financial planning.

The takeaway

Arkansas saw moderate growth in the second quarter of 2026 compared to national trends. Residents should monitor future state economic releases to track if current sector-specific declines impact local wage growth or public funding availability.