Fayetteville passes Fort Smith as second-largest city in Arkansas
College Avenue flyover construction in 2014 / Flyer file photo
Fayetteville is now officially the second-largest city in Arkansas.
The city’s population grew from 73,580 in 2010 to 93,949 in 2020, according to the latest U.S. census figures, which were released Thursday. The count puts Fayetteville ahead of Fort Smith, which grew from 86,209 in 2010 to 89,142 in 2020.
Fayetteville led the region with 20,369 new residents, followed by Bentonville, which increased by 18,863 to reach 54,164, up from 35,301 a decade ago.
The region’s two largest counties grew by 105,800 people, according to the data.
Washington County reached 245,871, up from 203,065, which is an increase of 42,806 people. Benton County’s population went from 221,339 a decade ago to 284,333, an increase of 62,994.
Despite major growth in Northwest Arkansas, Little Rock is still the state’s largest city with a population of 202,591, up from 193,524 in 2010.
The state itself grew by 95,606 people for a total population of 3,011,524. Arkansas had 2,915,918 residents a decade ago.
U.S. Census Populations – Northwest Arkansas
| City | 2020 | 2010 | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville | 93,949 | 73,580 | +20,369 |
| Springdale | 84,161 | 69,797 | +14,364 |
| Rogers | 69,908 | 55,964 | +13,944 |
| Bentonville | 54,164 | 35,301 | +18,863 |
| Bella Vista | 30,104 | 26,461 | +3,643 |
| Siloam Springs | 17,287 | 15,039 | +2,248 |
| Lowell | 9,839 | 7,327 | +2,512 |
| Farmington | 7,584 | 5,974 | +1,610 |
| Prairie Grove | 7,045 | 4,380 | +2,665 |
| Pea Ridge | 6,559 | 4,794 | +1,765 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
