Compared to the rest of the state, Northeast Arkansas has seen an overall growth in employment, sales tax revenue, and new home starts. Talk Businesses and Politics released their quarterly Compass Report highlighting the economic progress of Arkansas’ key metro areas. This was the first time the Jonesboro metro area was included in the report.
Economist with Talk Business Jeff Collins compared the Jonesboro metro area with Fort Smith in an interview with KASU's Brandon Tabor.
Collins said Fort Smith's heavy reliance on manufacturing has made a negative impact on their economy ever since the recession. However, he said the diverse economy in Northeast Arkansas has helped the local economy from being similar to Fort Smith.
The Jonesboro metro area encompasses Craighead and Poinsett counties.
Collins was in charge of gathering the data used in the report. You can see how Jonesboro and Fort Smith compares to the other 2 metro areas by reading his story on the Talk Business & Politics website here.
Also, listen to the Talk Business & Politics radio show on Saturday evenings at 3:30 on KASU 91.9 FM.