Located in northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville is home to over 93,949 residents as of 2023 according to Wikipedia. Nicknamed the “Athens of the Ozarks” due to the presence of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville is the third largest city in Arkansas behind Little Rock and Fort Smith.
Population and Demographics
According to 2023 census data, Fayetteville has a population of 93,949 residents, making it the 150th largest city in the United States. The city has seen steady population growth, with an increase of over 10% from 2010 to 2020.
Fayetteville is home to a relatively young population, with a median age of 32.2 years old. Over 57% of residents are between the ages of 18 and 44. The city also has a highly educated population, with over 48% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The racial makeup of Fayetteville is predominantly white, with over 80% of residents identifying as white alone. Asian, Black or African American, and Hispanic or Latino residents make up other significant portions of the population.
The presence of the University of Arkansas contributes to Fayetteville’s youthful and educated demographic profile. As a college town, the university helps attract and retain younger residents while also increasing the educational attainment rate.
Economy and Major Employers
Fayetteville has a strong and diverse economy. While the University of Arkansas and associated medical centers are major employers, the city also has a thriving corporate and technology presence.
According to the City of Fayetteville, some of the top employers include:
- Walmart – over 10,000 employees
- University of Arkansas – over 4,500 employees
- Washington Regional Medical Center – over 2,000 employees
- Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks – over 1,500 employees
- Arkansas Children’s Northwest – over 1,000 employees
Several large companies in the technology, food manufacturing, and transportation sectors also employ thousands in the Fayetteville area. Top companies include J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, and folding carton manufacturer Graphic Packaging.
The presence of Walmart’s corporate headquarters provided a catalyst for growth in the retail, distribution, and supplier sectors. The urban service economy around higher education and medical services has also expanded significantly.
Tourism and Attractions
Fayetteville offers many cultural and outdoor attractions that bring in over 2.7 million visitors per year according to Experience Fayetteville.
The beautiful Ozark Mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Popular activities include hiking, fishing, golfing, and boating on Beaver Lake. The Razorback Regional Greenway is a scenic biking and walking trail that runs across Northwest Arkansas.
The arts and culture scene is anchored by the University of Arkansas. The Walton Arts Center is a large performing arts center that hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and entertainment events. The Clinton House Museum offers a look at the early life of former president Bill Clinton in Fayetteville.
Dickson Street and the Fayetteville Downtown Square provide boutique shopping, restaurants, bars, and local events. The Fayetteville Farmers’ Market is ranked one of the best in the country and hosts over 300 local vendors.
For sports fans, Razorback Athletics bring major college events to the city. The Arkansas Razorbacks compete in football, basketball, baseball and other sports as part of the NCAA’s Southeastern Conference. Home games are played at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and Bud Walton Arena.
Government and Infrastructure
Fayetteville utilizes a council-manager form of government. The city council consists of eight members who pass legislation and appoint city boards. The mayor is elected at-large and serves as a voting member of the council. The day-to-day operations are managed by a chief administrative officer appointed by the council.
Residents can stay engaged with local government and community initiatives through the City of Fayetteville website. Public meetings and events are also regularly hosted by the city government and community organizations.
Fayetteville provides municipal services including police, fire protection, water and wastewater systems, sanitation, transportation and parks facilities. The Fayetteville Public Library system contains three branch locations throughout the city.
Fayetteville Public Schools serve students in grades K-12. The district contains over 10,000 students across 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, 3 high schools, and 3 specialized campuses. There are also several private school options in the area.
Transportation
Fayetteville is located along Interstate 49, which provides direct access to other major cities in Arkansas and beyond. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) offers nonstop flights to major hub airports with national and international connections.
Public transportation in Fayetteville consists of the Ozark Regional Transit bus system. There are over a dozen routes providing service around the metro area and University of Arkansas campus. An extensive trail system also encourages cycling and walking as transportation options.
Fun Facts
- Fayetteville was named after the town of Fayetteville, Tennessee where some of the city’s founders were from.
- The University of Arkansas campus contains over 130 years of architecture including its iconic Old Main building.
- Artist and children’s author Donald Harington used Fayetteville as the setting for his fictional town of Stay More, Arkansas.
- The Razorback hog mascot was chosen in the 1910s during a pep rally when a farmer brought a real live Razorback hog onto the football field.
Stay Connected and Learn More
This article provided an overview of Fayetteville, Arkansas including its population, economy, attractions, and more. To stay up to date on local news and events, check out the City of Fayetteville Facebook page.
For help planning your visit, see the Experience Fayetteville tourism site. And be sure to catch a Razorbacks game while you’re in town – Woo Pig Sooie! For team schedule and info see Razorback Athletics.