Howard County’s workforce is built on craftsmanship, agriculture, and industrial skill. Generations of workers have powered success in timber, poultry, and manufacturing while expanding into logistics, energy, and advanced materials.
With a labor force of about 5,000, employers gain access to a dependable, cross-trained workforce experienced in production, maintenance, and transportation. UA Cossatot supports this pipeline through programs in industrial technology, nursing, and business aligned with employer needs.
Anchored by employers like Tyson Foods, Weyerhaeuser, and CertainTeed, the county’s economy blends tradition and innovation. With strong infrastructure, broadband access, and regional connectivity, Howard County continues to build a foundation for lasting growth.
Workforce Profile
- Strong labor force rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, and skilled trades
- High participation in production, maintenance, and transportation occupations
- Employers benefit from long-tenured, experienced workers and regional talent mobility
Employment Highlights
- Labor force: ~5,000
- Employment: ~4,750
- Unemployment rate (2025): ~5.2%
- Stable employment across manufacturing and agriculture sectors
- Strategic connectivity via U.S. Highways 70, 278, and 371, linking to I-30 and I-49
For More Information
Developing Howard County
Vanessa Weeks
1558 US 371 #406
Nashville, AR 71852
(870) 584-1358
(870) 784-3548
vweeks@cccua.edu