Economic growth in Central and Northwest Arkansas continued to grow in the third quarter of 2025, with economic conditions in the Fort Smith and Jonesboro metros moderating or flat in some sectors, according to The Compass Report.
In the third quarter of 2025 (July – October) report, Central Arkansas received an “B+” grade, the Fort Smith metro had a “B-” grade, the Jonesboro area received a “B+” grade, and Northwest Arkansas had a “A-” grade.
The Compass Report is a partnership between the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) and Talk Business & Politics. First National Bank of Fort Smith is a sponsor of the statewide report.
Kendall Ross, UAFS associate vice chancellor of Economic and Workforce Development, and Kaitlyn Cavaness, an intern in the UAFS Center for Economic Development who helps compile, manage and review the data, are responsible…
