Jonesboro Is Growing Faster Than the State, but Outcomes Are Uneven.
Jonesboro’s population growth (+4.6% since 2020) is outpacing Arkansas and the U.S. (+2.6% each), reinforcing the need for intentional growth management. At the same time, key wellbeing indicators are falling behind: median household income is $52,559 (below Arkansas $58,773 and U.S. $78,538), and poverty is high at 22.4% (vs. Arkansas 15.5% and U.S. 10.6%).
Economic and Institutional Anchors Are Strong—Utilities Are a Competitive Advantage.
Stakeholders consistently point to manufacturing, healthcare, and Arkansas State as Jonesboro’s durable foundation, strengthened by City Water & Light’s locally controlled, reliable utilities. Census benchmarks also suggest Jonesboro functions as a regional hub, with retail sales per capita at $29,294 (well above Arkansas and the U.S.), reinforcing the city’s broader market draw and employment role.
Infrastructure, Safety, and Service Capacity Are the Defining Constraints.
Among stakeholders, growth is perceived to be outpacing maintenance for roads and drainage, and faster than sewer can expand. Priority needs include a current, consolidated “pipeline” of funded/programmed projects, stronger safety countermeasures on major corridors, and coordinated sequencing of utilities and roadway work—especially in growing and historically under-served areas.
Housing Stability and Neighborhood Reinvestment Are Local Priorities, but Homeownership Is Low.
Stakeholders repeatedly cite poorly maintained rentals, absentee landlords, and disinvestment in older neighborhoods with a strong preference for homeownership and reinvestment tools (land bank, code enforcement, infill). The data aligns: owner-occupancy is 52.6% (below Arkansas 66.1% and U.S. 65.0%), and affordability pressures are a recurring concern for working households.
Talent Retention and “Quality of Place” Gaps Overshadow the Next Chapter.
Multiple stakeholders describe a retention challenge for young professionals and experienced hires tied to amenities such as parks, trails, downtown activity, restaurants, “third places,” and more pressing concerns related to mobility safety and family support related to childcare and youth programming.