As we look at the latest economic indicators for Conway and Faulkner County, it is clear that our local economy remains on a steady and resilient upward trajectory. Driven by strong consumer confidence and sustained business activity, total retail sales in Conway reached $831.27 million year-to-date through May, reflecting a robust 4.48% increase compared to the same period last year. County-wide sales followed a similar positive trend, growing by 4.24% to top $1.09 billion. This momentum is further underscored by our exceptionally strong local labor market, where Conway maintains a remarkably low unemployment rate of 3.2%, outperforming both the state and national averages.
Our position as a regional hub for dining and hospitality is further highlighted by impressive gains in tourism and entertainment. Year-to-date restaurant sales through April climbed to $105.36 million—a solid 4.87% increase over last year—while hotel sales surged by 10.84% to reach $7.54 million. While we are seeing tremendous strength across these commercial sectors, a minor stabilization in single-family residential building permits (-1.82%) suggests a healthier, more balanced pace of growth after consecutive years of rapid development. Overall, Conway’s foundational economic health is excellent. At Arvest Bank, we remain deeply committed to investing in this momentum, supporting our local businesses, and ensuring our community continues to thrive.
-Patrick Lewis, Community Bank President at Arvest Bank
Labor Force, April 2026
| U.S. | 169,995,000 |
| Arkansas | 1,454,535 |
| Faulkner County | 68,517* |
| Conway | 38,501* |
Unemployment Rate, April 2026
| U.S. | 4.3% |
| Arkansas | 4.3% |
| Faulkner County | 3.2%* |
| Conway | 3.2%* |
Total Sales in Conway, May 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $831.27 million (+4.48%) |
| 2025 | $795.63 million |
Total Sales in Faulkner County, May 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $1.09 billion (+4.24%) |
| 2025 | $1.04 billion |
Total Use in Conway, May 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $140.13 million (-2.43%) |
| 2025 | $143.61 million |
Total Use in Faulkner County, May 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $230.47 million (+0.80%) |
| 2025 | $228.63 million |
Restaurant Sales in Conway, April 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $105.36 million (+4.87%) |
| 2025 | $100.47 million |
Hotel Receipts in Conway, April 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $7.54 million (+10.84%) |
| 2025 | $6.80 million |
Economy at a Glance Presenting Sponsor:
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