Discover the 5 Largest Cities in Arkansas (By Population, Total Area, and Economic Impact)

The Southern state of Arkansas was the 25th to join the Union. Arkansas is known for its stunning rivers and mountains, giving it the official state nickname The Natural State. Alongside its scenic natural beauty, Arkansas is also home to several cities that are cultural and economic hubs of the Southern U.S. This article explores the largest cities in Arkansas by population, total area, and economic impact.

Largest Cities in Arkansas By Population

Arkansas has a population of 3,045,673 according to the United States Census Bureau. This makes it the 34th-most populous state in the U.S. Let’s explore the five largest cities in Arkansas by population.

1. Little Rock

Little Rock, located in Central Arkansas, is the state’s largest city and metropolitan area. The city itself has a population of 202,864, while the entire Little Rock metropolitan area has a population of 757,615. Additionally, the city of Little Rock has a population density of 1,688 people per square mile. According to the 2020 census, Little Rock is 42.15% white and 40.15% African-American.

2. Fayetteville

Fayetteville is in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. The city itself has a population of 99,285, while the entire Fayetteville metropolitan area has a population of 576,403. Fayetteville has a population density of 1,735 people per square mile, making it slightly denser than Little Rock. It is also significantly less racially diverse than Little Rock, with a population that is 73.69% white and 6.34% African-American.

3. Fort Smith

Fort Smith is on the Oklahoma border in Northwest Arkansas. The city itself has a population of 89,992, while the entire Fort Smith metropolitan area has a population of 247,072. Additionally, Fort Smith has a population density of 1,393 people per square mile. Fort Smith’s population is 56.91% white and 8.53% African-American.

4. Springdale

Springdale is in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. It borders Fayetteville to the south and is part of the Fayetteville metropolitan area. Springdale has a population of 87,672 and a population density of 1,790 people per square mile. Additionally, Springdale’s population is 64.7% white and 35.4% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

5. Jonesboro

Jonesboro is in Northeast Arkansas near the Missouri border. The city itself has a population of 79,876, while the entire Jonesboro metropolitan area has a population of 135,512. Additionally, Jonesboro has a population density of 980 people per square mile. Jonesboro’s population is 70.94% white and 20.90% African-American.

Largest Cities in Arkansas By Total Area

Arkansas has a total area of 53,179 square miles, making it the 29th-largest state. Let’s explore the three largest cities in Arkansas by total area.

1. Little Rock

At 120.05 square miles, Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas by total area. Little Rock sits just east of the Ouachita Mountains on the south bank of the Arkansas River. It has a humid subtropical climate, like all of Arkansas, according to the Köppen climate classification system. Summers are hot and humid and winters are cool. Little Rock is home to Pinnacle Mountain State Park, a 2,356-acre park in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains.

2. Jonesboro

At 80.18 square miles, Jonesboro is the second-largest city in Arkansas by total area. The city sits atop Crowley’s Ridge, a 550-foot tall ridge rising above the Mississippi alluvial plain. Jonesboro, like all of Arkansas, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters.

3. Fort Smith

At 64 square miles, Fort Smith is the third-largest city in Arkansas by total area. The city sits on the banks of the Arkansas River. Fort Smith, like all of Arkansas, has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters.

Largest Cities in Arkansas By Economic Impact

In 2022, the total GDP of Arkansas was 126.53 billion USD, ranking as the 34th state by economic impact. Let’s explore the two largest economic hubs of Arkansas.

1. Little Rock

The Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area, also called the Little Rock metro or Central Arkansas, is the largest economic hub in Arkansas. Its GDP in 2021 was 42,670 million USD. Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas. The largest employers in Central Arkansas are the federal, state, and local governments, which collectively employ 70,200 people. Additionally, Dillard’s Department Stores and Windstream Holdings, a telecommunication company, both have their headquarters in Little Rock.

2. Fayetteville

The Fayetteville–Springdale–Rogers Metropolitan Statistical Area, also called the Fayetteville metro or Northwest Arkansas, is the second-largest economic hub in Arkansas. Its GDP in 2021 was 33,103 million USD. Northwest Arkansas is home to the headquarters of several large companies including Walmart in Bentonville, Tyson Foods in Springdale, and J.B. Hunt Transport Services in Lowell. These employment opportunities have attracted many people from across the country to this booming area. Another major employer is the University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville and employing over 4,000 people.

Conclusion

Arkansas is home to several large cities that serve as cultural and economic hubs. Overall, the state’s capital Little Rock ranks as the largest city by population, total area, and economic impact.

Summary of the Largest Cities in Arkansas

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