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Northwest Arkansas Growth Ranks 24th in Nation

By March 27, 2014February 2nd, 2021No Comments

Northwest Arkansas rapid growth picked up a new head of steam and it remains one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, new population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau show.

The region’s rate of growth ranks 24th in the nation among metropolitan statistical areas between April 2010 and July 1, 2013.

It was the nation’s 28th fastest-growing metropolitan area in the most recent year with the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metropolitan Statistical Area increasing in popuatlon by 1.91 percent between July 1, 2012 and July 1, 2013, an analysis of Census data reveals.

The July 1, 2013 population estimate for the MSA is 491,966 residents.

A calculation of the region’s growth can be used to show the region is on pace to welcome its 500,000th resident on May 28 this year. The region’s population growth through July 2012 hinted that Northwest Arkansas would hit 500,000 residents on Aug. 11 this year.

The new May 28 calculation assumes the daily population increase between the official Census in April 2010 and the population estimate of July 1, 2013 continues through today and beyond.

Prior to the Census Bureau’s release of new estimates today, it was known that Northwest Arkansas had been adding about 23 residents a day, but the new 2013 estimate shows growth was 26.8 people per day between July 1, 2012 and July 1, 2013. For the time between April 2010 and July 2013, the population increased 24.2 residents a day.

During that same 2010 to 2013 time period, the Little Rock metropolitan area added 20.7 residents per day.

Northwest Arkansas has been and remains one of the nation’s top growth stories, increasing its population, adding jobs, improving quality of life and remaining affordable.

While Northwest Arkansas has long been recognized as the home of the University of Arkansas, for its employment opportunities with Fortune 500 companies and for its astonishing natural beauty, the additions of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Arvest Ballpark (pictured above) in recent years enhanced the region’s urban amenities and appeal. Moreover, an outdoor music venue called the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) is scheduled to open in Rogers this summer, adding to the region’s quality of life.

The July 2013 population estimate confirms that Northwest Arkansas is adding more poeple per day to its population than many larger metropolitan areas, including Tulsa, Cincinnati, Memphis, St. Louis, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh.

Here’s a link to review all the new U.S. Census Bureau data.

Special thanks to our major investors for their support of the Northwest Arkansas Council and our work in the region: