As we examine the latest economic indicators for December 2025, it is clear that Conway is not just maintaining its status — it is thriving.
● A Leading Labor Market: While the national unemployment rate sits at 4.4%, Conway and Faulkner County continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience with a steady 3.8% unemployment rate. This confirms that our local workforce remains highly competitive and engaged.
● Momentum in Consumer Spending: Our local economy saw significant activity as we closed out the year. Total sales in Conway reached $2.298 billion, a 2.03% increase over 2024.
● A Thriving Hospitality Sector: Perhaps the most telling sign of our community’s vitality is the growth in restaurant sales, which jumped 4.75% to over $315 million for the year. While hotel receipts saw a marginal dip of 0.35%, the broader trend for Faulkner County — exceeding $3.1 billion in total sales — is overwhelmingly positive.
-Patrick Lewis, Community Bank President at Arvest Bank
Labor Force, July 2025
| U.S. | 171,248,000 |
| Arkansas | 1,430,617 |
| Faulkner County | 67,416* |
| Conway | 37,742* |
Unemployment Rate, December 2025
| U.S. | 4.4% |
| Arkansas | 3.9% |
| Faulkner County | 3.8%* |
| Conway | 3.8%* |
Total Sales in Conway, December 2025 (YTD)
| 2025 | $2.298 billion (+2.03%) |
| 2024 | $2.252 billion |
Total Sales in Faulkner County, December 2025 (YTD)
| 2025 | $3.115 billion (+1.04%) |
| 2024 | $3.083 billion |
Restaurant Sales in Conway, December 2025 (YTD)
| 2025 | $315.262 million (+4.75%) |
| 2024 | $300.971 million |
Hotel Receipts in Conway, December 2025 (YTD)
| 2025 | $25.529 million (-0.35%) |
| 2024 | $25.618 million |
Economy at a Glance Presenting Sponsor:
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