Little Rock, Arkansas – Arkansas continues to outpace the rest of the country in economic expansion. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, the state recorded a 5.1% annualized GDP growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2024, making it the fastest-growing economy in the nation for the second consecutive quarter.
This achievement reflects a continued upward trend in Arkansas’s economic momentum and underscores the state’s focus on pro-growth policies and conservative fiscal strategies under the leadership of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“Yesterday’s news confirms what Arkansans already know: pro-growth policies make a difference. Arkansas has led the nation on commonsense, conservative economic reforms like cutting taxes, investing in education, and growing our workforce. Our economy is stronger than ever before and we are making the Natural State one of the best places to live, work, and raise a family,” said Governor Sanders.
Record-High Employment and Policy Driven Growth
In addition to GDP growth, the Arkansas Department of Commerce revealed that more Arkansans are working now than ever before. Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald emphasized the role of strategic public policy in fueling the state’s rise.
“Arkansas has significant economic momentum, and we are leading the nation in GDP growth,” said McDonald. “This growth is the result of smart, commonsense public policy under the Sanders administration that is focused on delivering low costs and taxes, cutting red tape, and supporting businesses in Arkansas.”
Since taking office, Governor Sanders has enacted three rounds of tax cuts, saving taxpayers more than half a billion dollars in 2024 alone. Most recently, she introduced the Grocery Tax Relief Act, a measure that will repeal the state grocery tax and return an estimated $10.9 million annually to Arkansas residents.
Investing in Workforce and Education
Alongside economic policy, the governor has prioritized workforce development and education reform. The launch of Arkansas LAUNCH, a skills-matching platform, is helping job seekers connect with employers and find opportunities tailored to their skill sets.
In education, Sanders has championed two major reform packages. Arkansas LEARNS, signed into law in 2023, reshaped the K-12 education system with a focus on bold reforms. This month, she signed Arkansas ACCESS, a transformative higher education bill, into law.
With a growing economy, record employment, and continued reforms, Arkansas is positioning itself as a national model for economic vitality and conservative governance.
