Located in the southern region of the United States, Arkansas covers an area of 53,180 square miles (137,732 square kilometers), making it the 29th largest state in the United States.
As of 2021, the estimated population of Arkansas was 3,031,825, making it the 34th most populous state in the country.
The state’s population is fairly diverse, with a racial composition that includes White (72.4%), Black or African American (15.7%), Hispanic or Latino (8.7%), Asian (1.6%), and other races (1.6%).
The median age of the state’s population is 38.5 years, with females slightly outnumbering males.
Economy
Arkansas has a diversified economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, services, and tourism.
The state’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $138.3 billion in 2020, making it the 25th largest economy in the United States. Major industries include food processing, aerospace and defense, transportation and logistics, and healthcare.
Median household income in Arkansas is $48,952, which is lower than the national median of $68,703.
The poverty rate in Arkansas is 16.5%, which is higher than the national average of 10.5%.
Major Employers
Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas, is the largest employer in the state, with over 41,000 employees. Other major employers include the University of Arkansas, Tyson Foods, and the Arkansas state government.
Cities
The largest city in Arkansas is Little Rock, with a population of 197,312, followed by Fort Smith with a population of 87,764, and Fayetteville with a population of 87,590.
Top Universities
The University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville, is the state’s flagship university and is known for its programs in agriculture, business, and engineering. Other notable universities include Arkansas State University and the University of Central Arkansas.
