The state’s three fastest-growing cities are in Northwest Arkansas, with Centerton continuing to grow the fastest, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Northwest Arkansas also has some of the nation’s fastest growth in housing units.
The Census Bureau released Thursday (May 14) new population and housing unit estimates as of July 1, 2025. (See list of select population and housing numbers at the end of this report.)
Alison Wright, data center division head of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI), said the population of Benton surpassing Pine Bluff’s stood out to her in the new estimates. From 2024 to 2025, the population of Benton in Saline County increased by 1.6% to 38,898, while Pine Bluff’s population fell by 1.39% to 38,213. Benton has eclipsed Pine Bluff to become the 10th most populous city in Arkansas…