Population measures provide insight on how communities are changing in size and composition. Changes in total population are a measure of the overall health of a community and its ability to attract and retain residents.

Arkansas' population increased 6% from 2010 to 2024, growing from 2.9 million people to slightly more than 3 million. In comparison, the nation's population increased by about 10% in the same time period. Arkansas ranked 31st in the U.S. for its population growth from 2010 to 2024, including the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

This overall growth, however, was not distributed evenly across the state. In general, the northwest area of the state had most of the population growth, while areas in the eastern and southern portions had population declines. Overall, less than half of the state's 75 counties saw their populations increase. Benton County had the most growth with a 45% increase in its population from 2010 to 2024, followed by Washington County at 31%. On the other end, Phillips County lost 33% of its population and Chicot, Dallas, Desha, Lafayette, Lee, Monroe and St. Francis counties each lost more than 20% of their population in the same time period.

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