As we look across Conway’s economic landscape midway through 2026, the underlying message is clear: our local economy remains remarkably resilient, grounded in strong employment and steady commercial momentum. Our local labor market continues to outperform broader regional and national trends, with Conway and Faulkner County maintaining a low 3.5% unemployment rate—comfortably below both the state of Arkansas (3.7%) and the national average (4.1%). This stability gives our business owners confidence to invest, hire, and plan for long-term growth, reinforcing Conway’s reputation as one of the state’s most dynamic regional hubs.
What makes Conway’s growth particularly exciting right now is the vibrant surge in our local hospitality and retail activity. Year-to-date total sales across Faulkner County have climbed to $1.3 billion, buoyed by notable strength right here in Conway. Hotel sales have surged over 17% compared to last year—surpassing $10 million—while restaurant sales have comfortably expanded to $134 million. Coupled with steady home construction and balanced retail activity, these numbers show that Conway is not just a place where people work, but a place where people want to live, visit, and spend. At Arvest Bank, we remain deeply optimistic about our community’s trajectory and look forward to partnering with local businesses and families as we continue building a prosperous future together.
-Patrick Lewis, Community Bank President at Arvest Bank
Labor Force, June 2026
| U.S. | 170,078,000 |
| Arkansas | 1,455,735 |
| Faulkner County | 68,710* |
| Conway | 38,636* |
Unemployment Rate, June 2026
| U.S. | 4.3% |
| Arkansas | 4.2% |
| Faulkner County | 3.3%* |
| Conway | 3.5%* |
Total Sales in Conway, June 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $964.41 million (+0.49%) |
| 2025 | $959.73 million |
Total Sales in Faulkner County, June 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $1.30 billion (+3.04%) |
| 2025 | $1.26 billion |
Total Use in Conway, June 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $161.57 million (-5.78%) |
| 2025 | $171.49 million |
Total Use in Faulkner County, June 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $273.88 million (+0.91%) |
| 2025 | $271.40 million |
Restaurant Sales in Conway, June 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $134.01 million (+3.74%) |
| 2025 | $129.17 million |
Hotel Receipts in Conway, June 2026 (YTD)
| 2026 | $10.34 million (+17.60%) |
| 2025 | $8.79 million |
Economy at a Glance Presenting Sponsor:
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