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Trying the top Arkansas cities on US State Largest Cities – Choose State & Number? Here are the top 10 to get you started.
1. Little Rock, AR (Population: 203,842)
Little Rock, the capital and largest city of Arkansas, is located along the Arkansas River and serves as the state’s cultural, economic, and political hub. Founded in 1821, it developed as a trading and transportation center, and today it blends history with modern growth. Little Rock is home to the Clinton Presidential Library, a vibrant downtown, and the Arkansas Arts Center, all showcasing its role as a cultural destination. The city also has deep ties to the Civil Rights Movement, most notably with the 1957 Little Rock Nine integration crisis at Central High School, now a national historic site. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Pinnacle Mountain State Park and the extensive Arkansas River Trail. With a thriving economy based on government, healthcare, and education, Little Rock offers a balance of historic significance and contemporary vitality.
Interesting Fact:
Little Rock’s Central High School was the site of one of the most pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.
2. Fayetteville, AR (Population: 101,680)
Fayetteville, nestled in the Ozark Mountains, is a lively city best known as the home of the University of Arkansas. The university shapes much of the city’s identity, bringing energy, sports traditions, and research innovation to the community. Razorback football is central to local culture, with thousands of fans filling Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on game days. Fayetteville is also recognized for its quality of life, ranking highly for livability with its thriving arts scene, farmers’ markets, and outdoor amenities. Surrounded by mountains and trails, the city is a gateway to hiking, cycling, and scenic drives in northwest Arkansas. Its economy has expanded beyond education, with ties to Walmart’s nearby headquarters in Bentonville, fostering growth in logistics and business services.
Interesting Fact:
Fayetteville’s Dickson Street is the city’s entertainment hub, filled with music venues, restaurants, and nightlife.
3. Fort Smith, AR (Population: 89,770)
Fort Smith, located on the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, is a historic city with roots as a military outpost founded in 1817. Its role in frontier history gave rise to its nickname “The Border Town,” and it later became famous for its federal court during the Old West era. Today, Fort Smith preserves that heritage with the Fort Smith National Historic Site and museums highlighting its frontier past. The city’s economy is diversified with manufacturing, healthcare, and transportation, thanks to its location along the Arkansas River. Fort Smith is also revitalizing its downtown with art murals and cultural projects. Residents enjoy a mix of Southern hospitality, historic depth, and modern amenities, making it an appealing city in western Arkansas.
Interesting Fact:
Judge Isaac Parker, known as the “Hanging Judge,” presided over Fort Smith’s federal court in the late 1800s.
4. Springdale, AR (Population: 88,224)
Springdale, part of the rapidly growing northwest Arkansas region, is a diverse and thriving community. It is home to Tyson Foods, one of the world’s largest food companies, which has shaped its economy and provided significant employment. The city also has a large Marshallese community, giving it a unique multicultural identity. Springdale is known for its strong schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and growing infrastructure. Sports also play a role in community life, with Arvest Ballpark hosting the Northwest Arkansas Naturals minor league baseball team. Its location along Interstate 49 places it in the heart of the state’s booming corridor, alongside Fayetteville, Rogers, and Bentonville. With a blend of industry, culture, and growth, Springdale continues to expand its role in the region.
Interesting Fact:
Springdale is nicknamed the “Poultry Capital of the World” because of its role in chicken production.
5. Jonesboro, AR (Population: 80,650)
Jonesboro, located in northeast Arkansas, is a regional hub for education, healthcare, and commerce. It is home to Arkansas State University, which adds vibrancy to the city through academics, athletics, and cultural events. Agriculture remains an important part of the surrounding economy, with rice, soybeans, and cotton being major crops in the Mississippi Delta region. Jonesboro also has a growing healthcare sector and retail presence, making it a center of activity for the region. Residents enjoy Craighead Forest Park and local festivals that highlight community pride. Balancing its role as a college town and commercial hub, Jonesboro stands out as one of Arkansas’ fastest-growing cities.
Interesting Fact:
Jonesboro is one of the top rice-producing regions in the United States.
6. Rogers, AR (Population: 74,035)
Rogers, located in northwest Arkansas, has seen rapid growth thanks to its proximity to Walmart’s global headquarters in nearby Bentonville. The city is known for its quality of life, outdoor recreation, and retail centers. It is home to the first Walmart store, now preserved as a museum, marking the beginning of the company’s global rise. Rogers also offers access to Beaver Lake and the Ozark Mountains, making it a popular destination for boating, hiking, and fishing. Its historic downtown has been revitalized with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, blending small-town charm with modern development. Rogers continues to attract families and businesses, contributing to the region’s booming economy.
Interesting Fact:
The first Walmart store opened in Rogers in 1962, changing retail history forever.
7. Conway, AR (Population: 69,580)
Conway, often called the “City of Colleges,” is home to three major institutions: the University of Central Arkansas, Hendrix College, and Central Baptist College. These schools shape the city’s identity, bringing academic, cultural, and athletic life to the community. Conway has grown rapidly in recent decades, becoming a major suburb of Little Rock while retaining its independent character. The city hosts the annual Toad Suck Daze festival, one of Arkansas’ largest community events. Its economy includes education, technology, and manufacturing, giving it a diverse base. With its strong schools, vibrant downtown, and family-friendly environment, Conway is one of Arkansas’ most appealing cities.
Interesting Fact:
Conway’s unusual “Toad Suck Daze” festival draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
8. North Little Rock, AR (Population: 64,531)
North Little Rock, located across the Arkansas River from Little Rock, is an independent city with its own unique character. It is home to Simmons Bank Arena, which hosts concerts and sporting events, and Dickey-Stephens Park, where the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team plays. The Argenta Arts District has revitalized the city’s downtown with galleries, restaurants, and nightlife. North Little Rock also provides recreational opportunities with the Arkansas River Trail and nearby lakes. Its proximity to the capital city gives it access to metropolitan opportunities while maintaining a distinct identity.
Interesting Fact:
North Little Rock’s Argenta District has become a leading cultural hub in central Arkansas.
9. Bentonville, AR (Population: 59,471)
Bentonville, globally known as the birthplace and headquarters of Walmart, has transformed from a small town into an international business hub. The presence of Walmart has attracted suppliers, retailers, and professionals from around the world, fueling growth in northwest Arkansas. Bentonville is also home to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, founded by Alice Walton, which houses world-class collections and has made the city a cultural destination. With its growing economy, diverse population, and vibrant downtown, Bentonville offers a mix of small-town charm and global influence. Outdoor opportunities abound with trails, parks, and easy access to the Ozarks.
Interesting Fact:
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville attracts more than half a million visitors each year.
10. Pine Bluff, AR (Population: 39,123)
Pine Bluff, located in southeast Arkansas, has a long history tied to agriculture and the Arkansas River. It has traditionally been a center for cotton and farming, but today its economy includes education, manufacturing, and correctional facilities. The city is home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a historically Black university that contributes to its cultural and academic life. Pine Bluff also features the Arkansas Railroad Museum and cultural festivals that highlight its heritage. While it has faced challenges with population decline, community efforts aim to revitalize its economy and downtown. Its history and resilience remain important parts of Arkansas’ story.
Interesting Fact:
Pine Bluff is home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, one of the state’s oldest historically Black universities.
