Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a vibrant city located in the northeastern part of the state. With a land area of 80.5 square miles (208.5 square kilometers), Jonesboro is the fifth-largest city in Arkansas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the estimated population of Jonesboro as of 2021 was 79,928, making it the fifth-most populous city in the state.
Jonesboro is the county seat of Craighead County, Arkansas, and is situated on Crowley’s Ridge, a unique geological formation that runs from southern Missouri to Helena, Arkansas. Jonesboro’s location at the intersection of several major highways and its proximity to Memphis, Tennessee, has made it a hub for transportation and commerce in the region.
In 2021, the estimated GDP of Jonesboro was $6.02 billion, with major industries including healthcare, education, retail, manufacturing, and agriculture. The median household income for Craighead County was $52,039, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2019 American Community Survey. The poverty rate in Jonesboro was 22.2% in 2019, higher than the national average.
The population demographics of Jonesboro show a diverse community, with 62.4% identifying as White, 24.6% as Black or African American, 4.8% as Hispanic or Latino, and 2.1% as Asian. The median age in Jonesboro is 33.7 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female.
Jonesboro is home to several major employers, including Arkansas State University, NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital, St. Bernards Healthcare, and Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. Arkansas State University is a public research university with over 14,000 students, offering undergraduate and graduate programs across a variety of disciplines.
In addition to Arkansas State University, Jonesboro is home to several other colleges, universities, and trade schools, including Arkansas Northeastern College and Crowley’s Ridge College. Jonesboro hosts a satellite campus of the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. The city is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with attractions such as the Arkansas State University Museum, the Forum Theatre, and the Jonesboro Downtown Historic District.
One of the most famous attractions in Jonesboro is the Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, which offers visitors the opportunity to explore the unique ecosystem of Crowley’s Ridge. The Craighead Forest Park is another popular destination, with hiking and biking trails, fishing lakes, and picnic areas. The annual Jonesboro BBQ Fest and the NEA Fair are two of the city’s most popular events.
Overall, Jonesboro is a thriving city with a diverse economy, rich cultural heritage, and numerous attractions and amenities. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a tourist, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic and welcoming city.