The 6 Fastest Growing Towns in Arkansas Everyone is Talking About

In 10 out of 11 years, between 2010 and 2021, Arkansas’ population increased around 0.7% annually. Over the last decade, this Southern state grew by 95,600 people for a total population growth rate of 3.3%. Northwest Arkansas, in particular, grew three to five times more than the overall state. People are moving to this region for a better way of life. Arkansas offers lower housing costs, low property taxes, and excellent outdoor recreation. If you want to learn more about this state’s population increase, check out these six fastest-growing towns in Arkansas and find out why people are flocking to them. 

1. Centerton 

West of Bentonville on Highway 102, Centerton is a sparse suburban community and one of the best places to live in Arkansas. It was once a simple fruit orchard town with a railroad stop that quickly turned into a sprawling suburb in Northwest Arkansas. From 2019 to 2020, Centerton grew by a rate of 8.04%, and its median household income increased by 13%. This town offers its residents excellent public schools, abundant job opportunities, a low cost of living, and affordable housing. It’s also an excellent place for families and young professionals.  

2. Alexander

Located in Pulaski and Saline Counties, Alexander is a town in the Little Rock metropolitan area. At the time of the 2020 census, Alexander only had a population of 614, but today, it has an estimated population of 4,000. From 2000 to 2021, it experienced a growth of nearly 65%. This Central Arkansas town began as a construction camp for the railroad, and workers incorporated the area in 1887. Residents today live in a rural suburban community with excellent public schools, a diverse community, and a low cost of living.  

3. Tontitown

This fastest-growing city is in Northern Washington County, Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains. Tontitown began its journey as an Italian settlement in 1898 and is famous for its annual grape festival. It had a population of 5,633 in 2021 and is estimated to have a population of nearly 8,000 in 2023. Tontitown had a growth rate of 18% between 2019 and 2020 and is currently growing at a rate of 18.94%. This town is one of the best places to raise a family in Washington County, as it features highly rated public schools, diversity, and a warm, welcoming community. Residents also benefit from the higher-than-average household income, low crime, and relatively low cost of living.

4. Pottsville

Part of the Russellville micropolitan area in Pope County, Pottsville is in West-Central Arkansas and is a small town with a rich history. The population of Pottsville was 3,140 at the 2020 census and is now estimated at 3,283 as of 2023. The town is currently growing at a rate of 1.58% annually and its population increased by 4.79% since the last census. Its median household income also grew from $47,546 to $58,750 from 2019 to 2020. Pottsville has been voted one of the best places to live in Arkansas, and many families live in the area. It’s a suburban rural area with excellent public schools, a low crime rate, affordable housing, plenty of jobs, and a low cost of living.

5. Elkins

Sitting deep within the Ozark Mountains, Elkins is a suburban town in Washington County with a rural feel. As of 2021, the population was 3,743, and today it’s estimated at 3,915 (2023). From 2010 to 2020, Elkins had a population growth rate of 3.3%, and from 2020 to 2021, the growth was 2.3%. Voted as one of the best suburbs to buy a house in Arkansas, Elkins has an excellent housing market and a relatively low cost of living. Elkin is popular among families due to its great public schools, parks, and low crime rate. While the median household income is slightly below the national average at $66,809, the cost of living is also low. 

6. Pea Ridge

Pea Ridge is a small city in Benton County, outside of Bentonville in Northwest Arkansas. The population of Pea Ridge in 2021 was 7,140 and is now estimated at 8,182 in 2023. Since the latest census, the population of the town has increased by 22.67% and is currently growing by 7% annually. This suburban town is excellent for families due to its great public schools, abundant outdoor recreation, and amenities. Residents also enjoy plenty of job opportunities and a low cost of living.

A Recap of the 6 Fastest-Growing Towns in Arkansas