United States >> States >> Arkansas
Arkansas Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Arkansas is a state in the South Central region of the United States. It is bordered by Missouri to the north, Tennessee and Mississippi to the east, Louisiana to the south, Texas to the southwest, and Oklahoma to the west.
Arkansas is the 33rd most populous state in the United States. The state covers a total land area of 52,035 square miles (134,524 sq. km) and has an average population density of 57 people per square mile, making Arkansas the 34th most densely populated state in the U.S.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Arkansas had a population of 3,011,524 (3.0 million) in 2020. As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Arkansas is 3,088,354, or approximately 3.1 million people.
👉 Projected Population of Arkansas (2026): ~3.15 million
Arkansas Population Growth (2010–2020)
Arkansas recorded a population growth rate of 3.3% between 2010 and 2020, adding 95,606 residents during the decade. This reflects moderate but steady growth, supported by natural increase and migration within the South Central region.
The median age in Arkansas is approximately 36 years, indicating a relatively young population compared to many U.S. states. In terms of gender distribution, the population is slightly female-majority, with about 51% females and 49% males residing in the state.
Arkansas Census Snapshot (2020)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 3,011,524 (3.0 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 3.3% |
| Population Rank | 33rd |
| Total Land Area | 52,035 sq mi (134,771 km²) |
| Area Rank | 29th |
| Population Density | 56.4/sq mi (21.8/km²) |
| Capital City | Little Rock |
| Largest City | Little Rock |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Arkansas Historical Population
Arkansas has experienced steady long-term population growth, shaped by early settlement, agricultural development, and gradual urbanization. In 1900, Arkansas had a population of approximately 1.3 million, and by 2020, it reached about 3.0 million, representing a net increase of nearly 1.7 million people over 120 years.
The table below outlines Arkansas’s decade-by-decade population growth and percentage change, showing rapid expansion during the 19th century, modest declines in the mid-20th century, and renewed growth in recent decades.
Arkansas Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
|---|---|---|
| 1810 | 1,062 | — |
| 1820 | 14,273 | 1,244.00% |
| 1830 | 30,388 | 112.90% |
| 1840 | 97,574 | 221.10% |
| 1850 | 209,897 | 115.10% |
| 1860 | 435,450 | 107.50% |
| 1870 | 484,471 | 11.30% |
| 1880 | 802,525 | 65.60% |
| 1890 | 1,128,211 | 40.60% |
| 1900 | 1,311,564 | 16.30% |
| 1910 | 1,574,449 | 20.00% |
| 1920 | 1,752,204 | 11.30% |
| 1930 | 1,854,482 | 5.80% |
| 1940 | 1,949,387 | 5.10% |
| 1950 | 1,909,511 | −2.00% |
| 1960 | 1,786,272 | −6.50% |
| 1970 | 1,923,295 | 7.70% |
| 1980 | 2,286,435 | 18.90% |
| 1990 | 2,350,725 | 2.80% |
| 2000 | 2,673,400 | 13.70% |
| 2010 | 2,915,918 | 9.10% |
| 2020 | 3,011,524 | 3.30% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020)
Arkansas Demographics (Summary)
Religion in Arkansas
Christianity is the dominant religion in Arkansas, followed by an estimated 79% of the population. Among Christians, Protestant denominations form the largest group at around 70%, followed by Roman Catholics (8%) and other Christian groups (1%).
The religiously unaffiliated population accounts for about 18% of Arkansas residents, including atheists, agnostics, and those with no specific religious affiliation. Non-Christian religions, followed by approximately 3% of the population, include Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and other smaller faith communities.
👉 For more details, read: Religion in Arkansas
Race and Ethnicity in Arkansas
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the largest racial or ethnic group in Arkansas was White alone (non-Hispanic), making up 68.52% of the population. The Black or African American population was the second largest group at 14.94%. Hispanic or Latino residents represented 8.53% of the population.
People identifying with two or more races accounted for 4.89%, while the Asian population made up 1.70% of Arkansas residents.
Ancestry in Arkansas
Based on census studies and population estimates, the five largest ancestry groups in Arkansas are American, Irish, German, English, and Scottish. These ancestry groups reflect the state’s early settlement patterns and continued migration over time.
👉 For more details, read: Race and Ethnicity in Arkansas
Top Cities and Counties in Arkansas
As of 2022, Arkansas is divided into 75 counties. The most populous county is Pulaski County, home to the state capital, Little Rock. The largest county by land area is Union County, covering 1,055 sq. mi.
Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas, and the only city with a population exceeding 100,000. Other major cities include Fayetteville (89,576) and Fort Smith (87,764), which are key cultural and economic centers in the state.
Read more about counties and cities in Arkansas
Arkansas Population FAQs
1. What is the population of Arkansas in 2026?
Arkansas is projected to have a population of around 3.15 million in 2026, continuing a steady growth trend.
2. Which is the largest city in Arkansas?
Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas and the state capital, with over 100,000 residents.
3. What is the most populous county in Arkansas?
Pulaski County is the most populous county in Arkansas, home to Little Rock and a significant portion of the state’s population.
4. What is the largest racial or ethnic group in Arkansas?
The White alone (non-Hispanic) population is the largest group, making up around 68.5% of the state’s total population.
5. What is the dominant religion in Arkansas?
Christianity is the dominant religion in Arkansas, followed by 79% of the population, with Protestants forming the largest Christian denomination.
English
Español
Português
Deutsch