Population trends and updates on the state census with Skip Rutherford

This week, Rex is once again joined by old friend and frequent guest Skip Rutherford, the initial president of the Clinton Foundation and former Dean of the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. On this episode, however, the duo largely avoid a conversation about politics or education in favor of an in-depth look at recent information released by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Arkansas State Data Center on population trends across the state. 

The first part of the discussion includes an overview of recent statistics released by both organizations, one indicating an overall increase in urbanization across the state, and another set of data stating that, over a one-year time period – from July 1, 2023 to July 1, 2024 – the state saw substantial population growth in several specific counties in Northwest and Central Arkansas in particular, while many other counties in outside of these areas also experienced some population growth. 

According to Rex and Skip, Arkansas' population is now 49 percent urban, although that growth continues to be focused in counties such as Benton, Washington (Northwest Arkansas), Faulkner, Conway, Saline (Central Arkansas) and Craighead county in northeast Arkansas. The duo mention how these trends affect both industry and business as well as affordability and livability, although a decline in certain parts of the state has led to what Rex describes as a "hollowing out of the middle class." 

Specific to this conversation are the ways in which many small communities, including Bella Vista, Pea Ridge, Highfill and Tontitown, are rapidly becoming suburbs due to urbanization in the surrounding cities and towns. But Skip is quick to point out that, as has been inthe case recently in Northwest Arkansas, population growth can also lead to challenges such as wastewater issues and a rising cost in housing. 

In the remainder of the episode, Rex and Skip also touch on towns that are slated to become high population centers in upcoming years, problems with rural health care, and cities and towns such as Pine Bluff and El Dorado that continue to show a decline in the number of residents. 

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