Arlington is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas, located directly between Dallas and Fort Worth. With a population of over 396,000 as of 2019 according to Wikipedia, it is the second-largest city in the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan statistical area.
Population
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Arlington was 396,394 as of 2019. This makes it the 49th-most populous city in the United States. The racial makeup of Arlington is approximately 59.7% White, 21.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.6% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, 1.6% from two or more races, and 0.4% Native American.
Arlington has grown rapidly in recent decades. Since the 1990 census, the population has increased over 50 percent. This growth is driven by Arlington’s affordable housing, proximity to downtown Dallas and Fort Worth, and plentiful job opportunities.
Economy
Arlington has a diverse and thriving economy. According to the City of Arlington, some of the top employers in the city include:
- Arlington Independent School District
- The University of Texas at Arlington
- Texas Health Resources
- General Motors
- Six Flags Over Texas
- The Parks at Arlington mall
In addition to major employers, Arlington also benefits from sports-related tourism and events. Destinations like Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers, and AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, bring visitors and revenue to the city.
Attractions
As one of the largest cities in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, Arlington offers many attractions and things to do for visitors and residents:
- Six Flags Over Texas – This theme park opened in 1961 and features roller coasters, rides, games, and shows.
- Arlington Museum of Art – This art museum houses American art from the 19th century to the present day.
- Fort Worth Aviation Museum – Located in Arlington, this museum showcases vintage aircraft from World War II.
- Levitt Pavilion – This outdoor venue offers free concerts throughout the summer.
- Planetarium at UT Arlington – The planetarium offers shows about astronomy and space.
Outdoor activities are also popular in Arlington due to its sunny climate. Parks like River Legacy Parks offer hiking, biking, and nature trails.
Sports
As mentioned earlier, Arlington is home to several major league sports teams and venues:
- Texas Rangers – The Rangers have played Major League Baseball at Globe Life Field (formerly The Ballpark in Arlington) since 1994.
- Dallas Cowboys – The internationally renowned Cowboys football team plays at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
- AT&T Stadium – This state-of-the-art stadium hosts concerts and other events in addition to Dallas Cowboys games.
- UT Arlington Mavericks – The UT Arlington Mavericks are the college athletic teams competing in Division I of the NCAA.
These professional and college sports teams contribute to local pride as well as tourism in Arlington.
Local Government
Arlington has a council-manager form of municipal government. The elected mayor and city council appoint a city manager to oversee day-to-day operations. The city’s website, ArlingtonTX.gov provides information on local government, services, events, and more.
Community
Arlington has an active local community. Residents stay connected through groups like the City of Arlington’s Facebook page. Neighborhood associations and volunteer groups bring residents together to improve life in Arlington.
For those looking to move to or visit Arlington, Texas, it offers economic opportunity, proximity to major cities, sports, entertainment, and an excellent quality of life. The city’s diverse population, attractions, and active community make it one of the fastest growing cities in America.