NWA Named Nation’s Best Performing Large Metro
Springdale’s metropolitan area – the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA – has been ranked the #1 Best-Performing Large Metro in the United States for 2026 after consistently placing in the top 15 large cities every year since 2021.
The 2026 index and rankings are primarily based on data from 2024 with short-term job growth measured from July 2024 to July 2025. In 2024, U.S. real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.8 percent. Despite this growth, cooling national labor market conditions have affected employment across the US.
“What a glowing endorsement for this wonderful place we call home,” said Chamber president Bill Rogers. “To be ranked No. 1 nationally and to do so based on the foundation of all that we do — creating jobs for our residents — is truly gratifying.”
The Index, published annually since 1999, reflects cities’ and metro areas’ effectiveness at leveraging their resources to promote economic growth and provide their residents with access to the essential services and infrastructure needed for success. Its components include job creation, wage growth, and the high-tech sector’s output growth. Since 2021, the Index also includes measures of housing affordability and broadband access that reflect access to economic opportunities of cities’ residents.
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Northwest Arkansas Among Nation’s Fastest-Growing Metros
Springdale’s metropolitan area – the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA – is ranked as the #9 fastest-growing metro in the United States according to new population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This marks its first appearance in the top 10 since at least 2020.
The region’s population grew by 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, adding more than 14,000 new residents and continuing to lead growth across Arkansas. This pace far exceeds national trends, as overall U.S. population growth remained below 1% during the same period.
This milestone reflects years of steady momentum, with Northwest Arkansas consistently climbing the rankings and standing out nationally for its strong job market, in-migration, and quality of life.
As growth continues, the region remains focused on supporting infrastructure, workforce development, and opportunities that ensure long-term success for businesses and residents alike.
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