Tucked into the heart of the South, Arkansas - the Natural State - is known for its Ozark and Ouachita mountains, its rivers and hot springs, and a landscape that ranges from Delta farmland to forested highlands.
The state's economy rests on a diverse base that includes agriculture, retail, food processing, transportation and logistics, aerospace and equipment manufacturing, and natural resources. Arkansas is home to the headquarters of several major corporations, including retail giant Walmart in Bentonville, Tyson Foods in Springdale, and trucking company J.B. Hunt in Lowell. Much of the state's population and employment is concentrated in Central Arkansas around Little Rock and in the fast-growing Northwest Arkansas region.
Arkansas has a number of universities and growing metro areas, many of them clustered along the state's major highway corridors. Beyond those hubs, the state remains largely rural, with farmland and small towns connected by county roads.
The Cities of Arkansas
With a population of roughly 3.1 million people as of 2024 Census estimates, Arkansas is the 33rd most populous state in the country. Housing here remains relatively affordable by national standards - as of 2025, the typical Arkansas home was valued at roughly $226,000 according to Zillow, well below the national figure. Below we cover some of the state's largest and best-known cities. City populations are 2024 Census estimates and shift over time.
Little Rock
Population: roughly 205,000 (2024 estimate)
Little Rock is the capital of Arkansas and its largest city. The broader Little Rock metropolitan area is home to more than 750,000 people. Dillard's Department Stores and Windstream are headquartered in the city, and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is one of the area's largest employers.
Fayetteville
Population: roughly 103,000 (2024 estimate)
Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas, the state's flagship campus, well known for its Razorbacks athletics. It anchors the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas metro area. The city's largest employers include the university and Washington Regional Medical Center.
Fort Smith
Population: roughly 90,000 (2024 estimate)
Fort Smith sits on the Oklahoma border and is the central city of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma metropolitan area. Its major employers include Mercy Hospital, Fort Smith Public Schools, ABB Baldor Electric, OK Foods, and trucking company ArcBest.
Springdale
Population: roughly 89,000 (2024 estimate)
Located in the Ozarks and part of the Northwest Arkansas metro area, Springdale is the headquarters of Tyson Foods, one of the world's largest food companies. Major employers include Tyson Foods, George's, Springdale Public Schools, and Northwest Medical Center-Springdale.
Jonesboro
Population: roughly 82,000 (2024 estimate)
Home to Arkansas State University, Jonesboro is the largest city in Northeast Arkansas and the hub of its own metropolitan area. Its economy draws on agriculture, education, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Banks and Credit Unions in Arkansas
Looking for a bank in Arkansas? You will have plenty of options, from small community banks to credit unions to national banks with branches across the state. The following institutions are headquartered in Arkansas and among the largest operating here as of 2025:
- Arvest Bank (Bentonville)
- Bank OZK (Little Rock) - formerly Bank of the Ozarks
- Simmons Bank (Pine Bluff)
- Centennial Bank (Conway) - which absorbed the former Liberty Bank of Arkansas
- First Security Bank (Searcy)
- First Arkansas Bank & Trust (Jacksonville)
- Summit Bank (Arkadelphia)
In addition, national and regional banks such as Bank of America, U.S. Bank, and Regions Bank operate branches in Arkansas, and numerous credit unions serve communities across the state. Availability and branch locations change over time, so confirm current options before choosing an institution.
Mortgage Rates in Arkansas
Many families move to Arkansas for new careers and a lower cost of living, and RateZip.com can help them finance a home. Our free search engine lets buyers compare quotes from multiple lenders side by side, so you can make an informed decision. Options include conventional fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, VA, FHA, and jumbo loans. First-time buyers may also want to explore the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) StartSmart program and its down payment assistance, which can pair with an eligible mortgage. Because mortgage rates change daily, use our tools to check current rates rather than relying on any single figure.