Arkansas
“The Natural State”
What Makes Arkansas Beautiful
Arkansas lives up to its moniker as the Natural State, with the misty Ozark Mountains, spring-fed rivers of crystal clarity, and Blanchard Springs Caverns glittering underground. Hot Springs National Park steams with ancient thermal waters while the Buffalo National River winds through towering limestone bluffs.
Key Metrics
3.1M
Population
$155B
GDP
+4.5%
GDP Growth (5yr)
$52.5K
Median Income
9.3%
Tax Burden
History
Admitted as the 25th state
Battle of Pea Ridge, pivotal Civil War engagement in the West
Discovery of oil near El Dorado triggers an oil boom
Little Rock Nine integrate Central High School with federal escort
Sam Walton opens first Walmart in Rogers, Arkansas
Top Cities
Little Rock
202K
State capital; largest city; Central Arkansas hub
Fayetteville
99K
University of Arkansas; booming NW Arkansas
Fort Smith
90K
Historic frontier town on Oklahoma border
Springdale
86K
Tyson Foods headquarters; poultry industry center
Bentonville
57K
Walmart headquarters; Crystal Bridges Museum
Economy & Industry
Core Industries
Natural Resources
Energy Portfolio
Budget & Fiscal Health
$24.1B
State Budget
$23.5B
State Revenue
$-0.6B
Fiscal Balance
Social Indicators
15.7%
Poverty Rate
24.3%
College Degree
7.8%
Uninsured
586/100K
Crime Rate
Where is Arkansas Headed?
GDP Projections ($B)
| Scenario | 1yr | 5yr | 10yr | 25yr | 50yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optimistic | $157B | $164B | $174B | $207B | $277B |
| Baseline | $156B | $162B | $170B | $194B | $243B |
| Pessimistic | $156B | $159B | $164B | $177B | $203B |
Political Landscape
R+18