text:
Bella Vista, Arkansas

Bella Vista is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. First established in 1917 as a summer resort destination, Bella Vista has evolved and redesigned itself over the succeeding years. Bella Vista became a retirement community in 1965, and, after much contention and a 2006 vote of its property owners, became an incorporated city.

Following its official incorporation on January 1, 2007, the new city government took over the police department, fire department, streets, trash removal and other city functions, while the Property Owners Association (POA) retained control of the many amenities available to members (property owners) and their guests.

Amenities include numerous parks, clubhouses with workout areas, swimming pools, five 18-hole golf courses, two nine-hole golf course, seven lakes with fishing and boat docks (three ski lakes), a marina, swimming beach, putt putt golf courses and tennis courts, dog park, softball field, and extensive hiking and mountain biking trails.

The city of Bella Vista is located on the Springfield Plateau of the Ozark Mountains. Oak/hickory forests, along with valleys, creeks, and steep rises, characterize the city's topography. Bella Vista is located north of Bentonville and Rogers within the Northwest Arkansas region. The city has been experiencing a population and building boom in recent years, as indicated by a 60% growth in population between the 2000 and 2010 censuses.

Geography
Bella Vista is located in northern Benton County. Its northern border is the Missouri state line. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 118.9 sqkm, of which 114.6 sqkm is land and 4.2 sqkm is water, consisting mainly of the several lakes within the city.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 30,104 people, 12,396 households, and 8,792 families residing in the city.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,582 people, 7,818 households, and 6,004 families residing in the community, which at the time was recorded as a census-designated place (CDP). The population density was 252.8 PD/sqmi. There were 8,854 housing units at an average density of 135.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.87% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 0.69% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 7,818 households, out of which 13.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.4% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.10 and the average family size was 2.38.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 12.3% under the age of 18, 3.0% from 18 to 24, 16.4% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 41.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 61 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $44,090, and the median income for a family was $48,233. Males had a median income of $34,547 versus $24,690 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $25,406. About 1.5% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under the age of 18 and 1.0% of those 65 and older.

Government
Bella Vista's Declarations and Protective Covenants is the "rule book" that governs the POA. The Property Owners Association must follow this "rule book" composed of various articles. There are Class A and Class B members of the POA. Class B refers to Cooper Communities, the land developer, who gets 10 votes per lot owned and Class A refers to lot private lot purchasers who receive one vote per lot owned. Cooper Communities now owns too few lots to sway the vote. Both Class A and class B members must approve a vote before it is binding.

The POA is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors who serve three-year terms. They set the direction and long-term objectives for the POA guided by Bella Vista's declarations and protective covenants. The day-to-day activity of the POA is directed by its general manager, with division heads and site managers responsible for the various departments and facilities.

The residents voted in 2006 to incorporate as an official city effective January 1, 2007. The POA still remains intact to service the recreational amenities and provide water, but the City of Bella Vista now has responsibility for police, fire, streets, library, community development, and other services.

Lakes
Bella Vista has seven lakes. These lakes are not "public" in that only members of the community or their guests are permitted to use them. Lake Ann, Lake Windsor, and Lake Loch Lomond are the largest all-sports lakes in the town. Lake Avalon, Lake Norwood, and Lake Rayburn are primarily fishing lakes with "no-wake" restrictions. Current POA boat permits are required, as are Arkansas fishing licenses, when fishing Bella Vista lakes. No personal water crafts (AKA: Jet Skis) are allowed on any of the Bella Vista lakes, however, only 20 miles east of Bella Vista is Beaver Lake, a 31,700 acre US Army Corps of Engineers Lake, and Jet Skis are welcome there.

 * Lake Ann (36.47333°N, -94.22528°W, el. 1053 ft ) is a small man-made water sport reservoir with 112.5 acre of surface area. The lake was created by damming a small west flowing stream in Pinion Hollow that is a tributary to Little Sugar Creek. Because it is 53.5 ft deep with no power limit, water skiing is allowed on Lake Ann.
 * Lake Windsor (36.47°N, -94.25861°W, el. 1070 ft ) is the second largest of the lakes, covering 220 acre with a maximum depth of 79.5 ft. The lake is on Tanyard Creek just upstream from its confluence with Little Sugar Creek. Lake Windsor is also an unlimited power lake, and water skiing is allowed.
 * Loch Lomond is the largest of all the lakes in the city. It is 80 ft deep and covers 477 acre. There is no power limit, skiing is allowed, and boat rental is offered.
 * Lake Avalon is a limited-power lake that features an enclosed, heated fishing dock located off Tamworth Circle. This lake covers 67 acre and is 50 ft deep.
 * Lake Brittany (36.4675°N, -94.20111°W, el. 1201 ft ) is 77 ft deep, has a 35 acre surface area and is a limited-power lake. It is located on a small north flowing tributary to Pinion Hollow and lies upstream of Lake Ann off Trafalgar Road.

 * Lake Norwood, located just north of Bella Vista's Town Center, has 34.5 acre of surface area and is 75 ft deep. The Lake Norwood launching ramp is located north of Harp's Food Store in Town Center. This is a limited-power lake.
 * Lake Rayburn is 60 ft deep and has a 47 acre surface area. This lake has limited-power regulations. It also features a designated swimming area and a launching ramp that is accessible from Lakeside Drive.

Trails
Lake Bella Vista, formerly part of Bella Vista, and the 1.8 mile walking/biking trail that goes around the lake is now part of the City of Bentonville Parks system. In the center of Bella Vista is the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail below the Lake Windsor dam. It has a footbridge and some waterfalls except during dry times. In October 2016 the City of Bella Vista, with the cooperation of the Property Owners Association, opened 40 mi of hiking and mountain bike trails entitled 'The Back 40' which is located on the east side of the city. The Little Sugar trail system, which was designed and built for mountain biking and opened in 2019, is located in the central part of the city and features approximately 50 mi (80 km) of trails. In July 2023, the Bella Vista Property Owners Association approved by a 7-1 vote the construction of 7 new trails. The trail Master Plan developed in 2015 shows 150 mi of trails to be built by 2025.

Education
The following school districts serve the city. On the east side is the Bentonville School District, and on the west side is Gravette School District. A few blocks in the east are zoned to the Pea Ridge School District.

The Bentonville portion is zoned to the following schools:
 * Cooper Elementary School, Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, and Sugar Creek Elementary School have separate sections.
 * Most of the section is zoned to Old High Middle while some sections to the southeast are zoned to Ruth Barker Middle School and some to the southwest are zoned to Ardis Ann Middle School.
 * Washington Junior High School and Lincoln Junior High School have separate sections.
 * All of that portion of Bella Vista is zoned to Bentonville High School.

Also serving the city is a private preschool, Bella Vista Montessori Academy. Cooper Elementary, part of the Bentonville District, is a K-4. The Bentonville School district is planning two new schools for Bella Vista students.

Northwest Arkansas Community College is also part of the community, with its main branch in Bentonville near I-49 Exit 86.

Electricity
Carroll Electric Cooperative provides electricity for Bella Vista residents.

Public safety
The Bella Vista Fire Department is a career fire department with four fully staffed fire stations. There are three shifts with 16 career firefighters on each shift. The fire department also provides Advanced Life Support paramedic service to the city with six ambulances. In 2010, the department took control over the Bella Vista Ambulance Services.

Transportation
The final segment of Interstate 49 (I-49), which runs from Fort Smith, Arkansas to Kansas City, Missouri, was completed around Bella Vista on October 1, 2021. The new route bypassed Bella Vista to the south and west, removing through traffic from Highway 71, which had seen increasing traffic congestion over the decades. I-49 has four exits providing access to Bella Vista: US 71 (Bella Vista Way), two exits with Highway 72, and Benton County Road 34 (CR 34, Rocky Dell Hollow Road).

Bella Vista Way is a four-lane controlled access divided highway that bisects the city from north to south. Two Arkansas state highways cross Bella Vista: Highway 279 (Forest Hills Boulevard) runs north-south from Gravette to Missouri, and Highway 340 (Lancashire Boulevard) from east to west from Highway 279 to Missouri. Almost all of the remaining street network in Bella Vista is laid out using a street hierarchy typical of large residential subdivisions, with hundreds of cul-de-sac streets.

Solid waste
The POA provides water service to Bella Vista residents. The City of Bella Vista contracts with Republic Services for trash collection. There also are two semi-annual pick ups of large items.

Stump Dump Fire of 2018
A dump site had begun an underground fire in August 2018. In December 2018, health officials declared the air within a half-mile radius around the property was at unhealthy levels on one occasion. An emergency declaration was made by Gov. Asa Hutchinson. The Bella Vista POA took over this project in early May 2019 and had the fire extinguished in less than 30 days.

Water and wastewater
Village Waste Water provides sewer service to portions of Bella Vista.

Notable people

 * Donna Hutchinson, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from 2007 to 2013
 * Jim Sheets, member of the Arkansas House from 1967 to 1968 in the Winthrop Rockefeller administration, retired resident of Bella Vista
 * Garth Smith, award winning pianist, composer and musician noted for his contributions to LDS Gospel Music.

title: Bella Vista, Arkansas


text:
Bentonville, Arkansas

Bentonville is the ninth-most populous city in the US state of Arkansas, and the county seat of Benton County. The city is centrally located in the county with Rogers adjacent to the east. The city is the birthplace and headquarters of Walmart, the world's largest retailer. It is one of the four main cities in the three-county Northwest Arkansas Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is ranked 105th in terms of population in the United States with 546,725 residents in 2020, according to the United States Census Bureau. The city itself had a population of 54,164 at the 2020 Census, an increase of 53% from the 2010 Census. Bentonville is considered to be one of the fastest growing cities in the state and consistently ranks amongst the safest cities in Arkansas.

Early history
The area now known as Bentonville's first known use by humans was as hunting grounds by the Osage Nation who lived in Missouri. The Osage would leave their settlements to hunt in present-day Benton County for months at a time before returning to their families. European settlers first inhabited the area around 1837 and named their settlement "Osage". By this time, the Osage had ceased using the area for hunting, and the European settlers began to establish farms. Upon establishment of Benton County on September 30, 1836, Osage was deemed a suitable site for the county seat, and the town square was established as the home of county government the following year. Osage was renamed Bentonville in honor of Thomas Hart Benton, a senator from Missouri who strongly supported Arkansas statehood.

Early statehood and Civil War
Two years after Arkansas received statehood in 1836, thousands of Cherokee people from Georgia passed through Benton County as part of the Trail of Tears route to the Indian Territory in what is now Oklahoma. Although no Civil War battles were fought inside Bentonville, the city was occupied by both armies and saw almost all of its buildings burned. Bentonville was a staging point for the Confederate army prior to the Battle of Pea Ridge, fought about 12 mi northeast of town, and the town saw a brief skirmish just prior to the battle.

The city began to rebuild about a decade after incorporation on April 3, 1873, with many of these Reconstruction Era buildings today serving as the oldest structures in Bentonville.

The first railroad line into the area bypassed Bentonville, instead creating the nearby town of Rogers. So in 1883, a corporation called the Bentonville Railroad Company (a forerunner of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Railroad) proceeded to link Rogers with Bentonville, about six miles. That line has changed hands over time, but remains in use.

With good transportation available, the area established a vibrant apple industry, with Benton County becoming the leading apple producing county in the nation in 1901.

Twentieth century
In May 1922, the first Ku Klux Klan chapter was opened in Bentonville. By 1923, there was documentation of at least 162 men who were members of the Klan. Most of the town's most prominent citizens were charter members of the Klan chapters, including mayor Lee Seamster, his successor Tom Curt, the Benton County sheriff and several deputies, and Circuit Judge William A. Dickson, as well as half of the aldermen on the city council.

In the 1920s and 1930s the county developed a reputation as a leader in poultry production that continued into the World War II years, and which the area still maintains today. The post war economy helped Bentonville grow, with many new businesses starting.

In 1950, Sam Walton bought the Harrison Variety Store on the Bentonville town square. He fully remodeled the building and opened "Walton’s 5 and 10 Variety Store" on March 18, 1951. This single store eventually led to the creation of Walmart, the world's largest retailer, which still strongly influences the community today.

The late twentieth and early twenty-first century has seen a dramatic reduction in the manufacturing sector in Bentonville, corresponding with an increase in tourism and entertainment focused on the natural setting and outdoor opportunities of the area as well as the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, which opened in 2011. This has resulted in Bentonville being the fastest growing city in Arkansas, and the larger Northwest Arkansas area one of the fastest growing in the United States.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 81.6 km2, of which 81.0 km2 is land and 0.5 km2, or 0.67%, is water.

Metropolitan area
The Northwest Arkansas region consists of three Arkansas counties: Benton, Madison, and Washington. The area had a population of 347,045 at the 2000 census which had increased to 463,204 by the 2010 Census (an increase of 33.47 percent). The Metropolitan Statistical Area does not consist of the usual principal-city-with-suburbs morphology; instead Bentonville is bordered to the east by Rogers, the north by Bella Vista, and the west by Centerton. The Northwest Arkansas National Airport is located to the southwest of Bentonville and is used to connect all of the northwest Arkansas region to the rest of the nation. For more than the last decade, Northwest Arkansas has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.

Climate
Bentonville lies in the humid subtropical climate zone (Köppen Cfa) with influence from the humid continental climate type. Bentonville experiences all four seasons and does receive cold air masses from the north. July is the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 89 °F and an average low of 66 °F. Temperatures above 90 °F are common, with a high of 100 °F occurring about once per year on average. January is the coldest month with an average high of 46 °F and an average low of 24 °F. The city's highest temperature was 114 °F, recorded in 1954. The lowest temperature recorded was -16 °F, in 1996.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 54,164 people, 18,223 households, and 12,212 families residing in the city.

2017
As of 2017 Bentonville had a population of 49,298. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 77.0% non-Hispanic white, 2.4% non-Hispanic black, 1.2% Native American, 5.8% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 3.9% from some other race and 2.5% from two or more races. 8.7% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 19,730 people, 7,458 households, and 5,265 families residing in the city. The city grew substantially in the 1990s; the 1990 population was 11,257 and the city is expected to reach 50,000 people by the year 2030. According to the US Census, Bentonville and surrounding communities in Benton County is second in growth for Arkansas and among the 100 fastest-growing counties in the United States.

The population density was 928.9 PD/sqmi. There were 7,924 housing units at an average density of 373.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.92% White, 0.88% Black or African American, 1.33% Native American, 2.40% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.68% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. 6.07% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

The 2005 Special Census reported 24,837 Whites/non-Hispanic whites (86.8%), 2,428 Hispanics of any race (8.5%), 1,135 Asians (4.0%), and 510 Blacks/African Americans (1.8%).

There were 7,458 households, out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% are classified as non-families by the United States Census Bureau. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.5% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 34.2% from 25 to 44, 17.9% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,936, and the median income for a family was $46,558. Males had a median income of $31,816 versus $23,761 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,831. 10.3% of the population and 7.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.7% are under the age of 18 and 10.9% are 65 or older.

Economy
Bentonville has been home to Walmart since Sam Walton purchased a store on the town square in 1950 and renamed it Walton's 5 & 10. The retailer continued a rapid growth, but Helen Walton wished to remain in Bentonville to raise the family, and thus by the time Walmart became the #1 Fortune 500 in 2002, it was still based in Bentonville. The Walmart "Home Office" now includes more than 20 buildings throughout Bentonville, specifically along Walton Boulevard (US 71B) in the western part of the city. In 2017 Walmart announced their intention to construct a new central headquarters in Bentonville, consolidating many of their employees to a more centralized campus.

The impact from the Walmart Home Office is multiplied by the over 1,100 prospective Walmart vendors who have established sales offices in the region. The large number of satellite offices for companies of almost every industry means a large number of transplants from around the United States live in or near Bentonville. This phenomenon impacts the culture of Bentonville in addition to the city's economy.

Bentonville is home to a growing entrepreneurial scene, with co-working spaces and startup incubators being added quickly over the last 5 years.

Arts and culture
Bentonville's culture is a combination of a southern city, small town, global business hub, and the surrounding Northwest Arkansas metro.

Bentonville shares many of the characteristics commonly given to Arkansas as a Southern state, yet it has also absorbed minor cultural influence from the Midwest and West. Located firmly in the Mid-South, Bentonville's culture is distinct and differs from the Delta portion of the state. Many of the city's first settlers came from North Georgia, North Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee, because they found the Ozarks familiar, similar to the Appalachian Mountains back home. The uplands of Arkansas, including Northwest Arkansas, did not participate in large-scale plantation farming with slaves like the Arkansas delta, instead electing to settle in small clusters, relying largely on subsistence agriculture and hunting rather than the settlement patterns common in the Midwest and Deep South. The "hillbilly" stereotype given to the Ozarks and Appalachians is largely a derivative of the difficult topography, tendency to settle in clusters, and mostly cashless self-sustaining economy found in those regions. Bentonville's large proportion of Southern Baptist and Methodist adherents does, however, reflect a trend often associated with the Deep South.

Due to Walmart's prominence in the city, Bentonville is also an international focal point for retail suppliers and other supporting businesses. According to the Bentonville-Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce, over 1,250 suppliers have offices in Northwest Arkansas in an attempt to secure or retain Walmart's business. Symbolic of Bentonville's complex culture was a cricket game played between PepsiCo and Walmart, spectated by their respective chief executives Indra Nooyi and Doug McMillon, chronicled in an article in The Wall Street Journal describing the complex Bentonville culture. The game was played on a baseball field in Bentonville not well suited for typical cricket, so the players adopted new rules. The city has a league with 18 teams and a host of fans, mostly derived from the thousands of Indian natives drawn to Bentonville by Walmart software and IT jobs. In late 2018 plans for a public cricket pitch were approved for a new park in the southwest of the city.

From the Walmart Museum on the downtown square to the over 20 buildings spread throughout the city, Walmart's Home Office has a presence throughout Bentonville. The Northwest Arkansas National Airport has direct commercial flights from many large destination cities not typical of airports its size due to the supplier community. Bentonville, and the recently opened Bentonville West (located in Centerton) High Schools, have programs to assist the sizable transient student population, including international students, for those who have recently relocated to the area.

Culture
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a $450 million museum of American Art designed by architect Moshe Safdie located within walking distance of downtown Bentonville. The museum was founded by Alice Walton in 2011 and contains many masterpieces from all eras of American art, including many works from Walton's private collection.

Other points of interest include:
 * Walmart Museum: Located adjacent to Sam Walton's original Walton's Five and Dime which serves as a visitor's center.
 * Museum of Native American History: Museum showcasing Native American history, art, and culture.
 * 21C Museum Hotel: Public museum and hotel featuring works of the 21st century.
 * Scott Family Amazeum: An interactive children's museum
 * The Momentary: A contemporary art museum and performance venue
 * Bentonville Public Library

Beginning in 2015, the Bentonville Film Festival has been held annually the first week of May in Downtown Bentonville. Over 85,000 attendees take part in this week-long event.

Historic districts and properties

Bentonville contains over 30 listings on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), the official federal list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation.

The city contains two residential historic districts, the Third Street Historic District and West Central Avenue Historic District. Both districts contain historic residences notable for their architectural styles and contributions to the city's early history. Together, over 40 houses are listed as contributing properties. Preeminent individual residential listings within the historic districts include the Craig-Bryan House, Elliott House, James A. Rice House and the Rice House on "A" Street. Residential listing elsewhere in the city include the Peel Mansion Museum, Stroud House and Col. Young House.

Also included in the NRHP are historic public structures, such as the Benton County Courthouse, Benton County Jail, Bentonville High School, commercial structures such as the Benton County National Bank, Massey Hotel, Roy's Office Supply Building, and the Terry Block Building, and two cemeteries.

Additionally, a confederate monument installed in 1908 by a local United Daughters of the Confederacy chapter. On June 1, 2020, local residents held a non-violent demonstration at the statue in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement, until later that night, when the Benton County Sheriff's "mobile field force" ended the demonstration by deploying tear-gas on the assembled crowd and arresting several people. The statue was removed from the square in September 2020 and relocated to the new privately held James H. Berry Park in July 2023.

Parks and recreation
The Bentonville Parks and Recreation Department maintains twenty-two parks and over 50 mi of trails.

Over 300 acre of city parks throughout the city offer educational, recreational and outdoors opportunities to park visitors. The largest park surrounds Lake Bella Vista and includes a popular perimeter fitness trail and disc golf course. Memorial park features the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center as well as baseball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, skateboard, softball and soccer facilities. The four baseball fields at Merchants Baseball Park have hosted the Bentonville Youth Baseball League since its inception in 1954. Park Springs Park was created in the 1890s following the discovery of two springs with purported healing powers. The Burns Arboretum/Nature Trail was added in 1996 and includes a State Champion tree.

Trails in Bentonville vary from small fitness trails to long mountain bike trails to the regional Razorback Greenway depending upon topography, intended use and city planning. The Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway, a 36 mi primarily off-road mixed use trail connecting the Northwest Arkansas region, runs through Bentonville near Bentonville High School, the Walmart Home Office, and Crystal Bridges on its way to Lake Bella Vista to the north. The Crystal Bridges Trail is a 1 mi trail between downtown Bentonville and the museum, built by the museum and donated to the city. Public art and sculptures line the trail, which passes through Compton Gardens on its way to the museum's southeast entrance. After passing by an overlook where trail users can view the museum from a bluff, the Crystal Bridges Trail connects to the museum's 3 mi trail system. The city also has several trails connecting main streets, parks and neighborhoods throughout the city. Bentonville also boasts a cricket league with 18 teams.

Bentonville is a mountain biking destination providing more than 28 miles of mountain bike trails, and hosting multiple cycling events throughout the year, including Big Sugar Gravel, part of the LifeTime Grand Prix Series.

Mayor–city council
Bentonville operates within the mayor-city council form of government. The mayor is elected by a citywide election to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the city by presiding over all city council meetings, laws are enforced and taxpayer funds are spent prudently. Once elected, the mayor also allocates duties to city employees. Mayors serve four-year terms and can serve unlimited terms.

The city council is the unicameral legislative body of the city, consisting of eight members. The council's duties include balancing the city's budget and passing ordinances. The body also controls the representatives of specialized city commissions underneath their jurisdiction. Members are elected at-large with no term limits and represent individual wards. Council members must live in the ward they represent.

The current mayor is Stephanie Orman, first elected in 2018. Prior to becoming mayor, Orman served as a member of the City Council as well as serving in and leading several non-profit organizations.

Citizen boards, commissions, and committees
Citizen input is welcomed through the use of various specialized groups. Although some positions are appointed by the mayor, many consist of volunteers. Requirements include the applicant is a resident of Bentonville and submission of an application in order to gain access to any of Bentonville's 8 city boards. These range from appointed positions at the Planning Commission to the Bentonville Public Art Advisory Committee to the Bentonville Library Advisory Board.

Judicial system
The Bentonville District Court handles criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic matters within the city limits. In addition, the Court handles Civil and Small Claims cases when there is proper jurisdiction. The current elected District Judge presides over all cases. Ray Bunch is the current Bentonville District Court Judge. The 19th Judicial Circuit Court covers Benton County as a whole and operates out of the Benton County Courthouse in Downtown Bentonville with Bentonville serving as the County Seat.

Politics
Voters in Bentonville tend to lean conservative. The current state representatives that serve districts containing portions of Bentonville are Republican Rep. Jim Dotson, Republican Rep. Rebecca Petty, Republican Rep Kim Hendren, and Republican Rep. Dan Douglas. The current state senator that serves the district containing Bentonville is Republican Sen. Bart Hester.

Education
Public elementary and secondary education in the majority of the city limits is provided by Bentonville Public Schools, leading to graduation at Bentonville High School or Bentonville West High School.

Small portions of the city to the east are zoned to Rogers Public Schools.

Haas Hall Academy and Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy are the two public charter schools. Thaden School opened in 2017 and is the first independent high school in the city.

Bentonville Adventist School, associated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, provides education services for kindergarten through eighth grade.

The nearest Catholic high school is Ozark Catholic Academy in Tontitown.

Bentonville is home to the Northwest Arkansas Community College (NWACC), a public two-year college that provides students undergraduate, vocational, career and technical education courses.

The Bentonville Public Library System consists of one central library, located at 405 S. Main Street, which provides residents with access to print books, publications and multimedia content, as well as a satellite location at the Bentonville Community Center in the southwestern section of the city.

Major highways

 * I-49 (AR 1957).svg Interstate 49
 * US 71 (1961).svg US Route 71
 * US 71B.svg US Route 71 Business
 * Arkansas 12.svg Highway 12
 * Arkansas 72.svg Highway 72
 * Arkansas 102.svg Highway 102
 * Arkansas 112.svg Highway 112

The major through route in Bentonville is Interstate 49/US 71. This fully controlled access, four-lane expressway is a discontinuous piece of a route ultimately planned to connect Kansas City, Missouri to New Orleans, Louisiana. Formerly designated as Interstate 540 with the re-designation as Interstate 49 being granted by the U S Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration on March 28, 2014, the highway became the first freeway in the area when it was completed in the 1990s to relieve the former US 71 (now US 71B) of a much-increased demand of through travelers following the unanticipated and rapid growth of the Northwest Arkansas metro. Future plans for the I-49 corridor include completion of a freeway segment through between Fort Smith and Texarkana. The Bella Vista Bypass to the north was completed and opened in late 2021.

Public transit
Bentonville has one major provider of public transportation, Ozark Regional Transit, which operates in Benton/Washington Counties and is a broad bus-based fixed-route regional transit system.

The nearest intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Fayetteville.

Aviation
The Bentonville Municipal Airport and Louise M. Thaden Field is owned by the city and serves general aviation. The nearest airport for commercial flights is Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), located approximately 12 miles southwest of the city center, which opened in 1998.

Water
The City of Bentonville owns and operates a municipal water system that provides services to industrial, commercial and residential customers. Drinking water is purchased and pumped from the Beaver Water District treatment plant in Lowell. The city uses approximately 10 MUSgal of water per day on average.

Notable people

 * James Henderson Berry, U.S. senator and 14th Governor of Arkansas
 * Asa Hutchinson, 46th Governor of Arkansas, 2024 presidential candidate
 * Tim Hutchinson, former U.S. Senator
 * Doug McMillon, CEO of Walmart
 * Malik Monk, professional basketball player for the Sacramento Kings
 * Lee Seamster, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court; mayor of Bentonville, 1921–1922
 * Louise Thaden, aviation pioneer, and the first woman to win the Bendix Trophy
 * Dwight Tosh, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
 * Karri Turner, actress on the adventure/drama television show JAG
 * Jim Walton, 17th richest person in the world, youngest son of Sam Walton

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Bentonville, Arkansas


text:
Bethel Heights, Arkansas

Bethel Heights was a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Always a small, sparsely populated community, the region coalesced around a school named Bethel in the late 19th century but did not incorporate until 1967 to avoid annexation by larger neighboring communities. The town offered police and fire protection and wastewater service to residents, but sent students to Springdale Public Schools and purchased water from Springdale Water Utilities. By the 21st century, Northwest Arkansas was gaining population rapidly, and Bethel Heights reincorporated as a city and grew from a population of 714 in 2000 to 2,372 at the 2010 census. Growth put pressure on the city's subsurface discharge wastewater treatment system, and following a series of wastewater treatment plant violations, voters dissolved the city and completely annexed into Springdale in August 2020.

History

Present-day Benton County was hunted by the Osage prior to, and after, the Louisiana Purchase. Following the Treaty of Fort Clark and establishment of Lovely County, white settlement in the area began. Settlers around Bethel Heights started claiming land in 1856.

As the communities of Lowell and Springdale expanded toward the Bethel area, residents incorporated as a town in 1967 to prevent annexation.

Geography
Bethel Heights was located in southern Benton County at 36.22278°N, -94.12778°W (36.222843, -94.127671). It was bordered by Springdale to the east, south, and west, and by Lowell to the north. U.S. Route 71 Business (US 71B, Thompson Street) ran north–south along the western side of the city, and Highway 264 ran east–west through the center of the city.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 6.2 sqkm, of which 0.04 sqkm, or 0.69%, is water.

Region
The Northwest Arkansas region consists of three Arkansas counties: Benton, Madison, and Washington. The area had a population of 347,045 at the 2000 census which had increased to 463,204 by the 2010 Census (an increase of 33.47 percent). The region does not consist of the usual principal-city-with-suburbs morphology. The principal cities retain individual identities, but have grown together along Interstate 49 (I-49). For more than the last decade, Northwest Arkansas has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.

Demographics
As of 2010 Bethel Heights had a population of 2,372. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 49.7% non-Hispanic white, 1.9% black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 3.0% Asian, 8.3% Pacific Islander, 21.6% from some other race, 2.2% from two or more races, and 34.7% Hispanic or Latino.

As of the census of 2000, there were 714 people, 251 households, and 211 families residing in the town. The population density was 109.4 /km2. There were 261 housing units at an average density of 40.0 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 92.16% White, 1.54% Native American, 2.52% Asian, 1.82% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. 3.36% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 251 households, out of which 42.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.1% were married couples living together, 3.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.9% were non-families. 13.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.10.

The city's population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $48,750, and the median income for a family was $51,172. Males had a median income of $33,438 versus $26,625 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,001. About 1.9% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The majority of the former city of Bethel Heights is zoned for Springdale Public Schools while small sections are zoned to Rogers Public Schools.

The Bethel Heights area (the former municipality) in 2022, was zoned to the following: Bayyari, Hunt, and Monitor elementary schools take certain portions. Hellstern, Sonora, and Helen Tyson middle schools take certain portions. Central, Lakeside, and Southwest junior high schools take certain portions. Springdale High School and Har-Ber High School take certain portions of Bethel Heights.

Bethel Heights, in 2006, was divided between Bayyari, Hunt, and Lee elementary schools. It was also divided between Hellstern, J.O. Kelly, and Helen Tyson middle schools, and between Central, Southwest, and George junior high schools. Most of Bethel Heights was zoned to Springdale High, but with portions west of U.S. Route 71 zoned to Har-Ber.

Early residents established Benton County School District #66, and a small school known as Bethel or New Kirk, around Bethel Heights in the late 19th century. This school remained independent until consolidation with Springdale Public Schools in 1948. In 2018, Springdale Public Schools became the largest school district in the state with over 23,000 students. Bethel Heights students were zoned for graduation from Springdale High School.

Mayor–city council
Bethel Heights operated within the mayor-city council form of government. At founding as a town, Bethel Heights had a town council consisting of five aldermen elected at-large as the town's unicameral legislature. Mayors served an unlimited number of four-year terms. The mayor was elected by a citywide election to serve as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the city by presiding over all city functions and allocated duties to city employees. Bethel Heights also elected a recorder and treasurer to two-year terms.

In the early 2000s, Bethel Heights became a second-class city, requiring the establishment of wards. Two council members were elected to two-year terms from each of the city's three wards to establish an annual budget and consider ordinances. Council meetings were held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall, 530 Sunrise Drive. On August 21, 2020, Bethel Heights was annexed by Springdale.

Utilities
The City provided wastewater service via a STEP system, installed in 2003. Bethel Heights struggled to maintain compliance with Arkansas Department of Health and Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality regulations. The system was out of compliance from August 2013 to January 2017, with sewage surfacing in neighbors' fields, livestock poisonings, multiple violations and fines resulting in a consent administrative order. Violations had continued in 2018 and 2019.

Potable water service was provided by Springdale Water Utilities. Following the sewer system violations, a moratorium on new water system connections was established in June 2019.

American Electric Power (AEP/SWEPCO) and Carroll Electric Cooperative provided electric power in Bethel Heights. Franchise utilities that served the community include AT&T, Black Hills Energy, and Cox Communications.

title: Bethel Heights, Arkansas


text:
Cave Springs, Arkansas

Cave Springs is a city in Benton County, Arkansas. The population was 5,495 at the time of the 2020 census, up from 1,729 in 2010 census. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area. In June 2022, Cave Springs was named the 3rd highest average home values in the state of Arkansas.

Geography
Cave Springs is located in southern central Benton County in the valley of Osage Creek. Arkansas Highway 112 (Main Street) leads north 8 mi to Bentonville and south 16 mi to Fayetteville. Arkansas Highway 264 (East Lowell Avenue) leads east 6 mi to Lowell and west (as Healing Springs Road) 5 mi to Northwest Arkansas National Airport.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.0 km2, of which 17.8 km2 is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.84%, is water. Lake Keith, a small water basin in the middle of Cave Springs, harbors the rare Ozark Cavefish (Amblyopsis rosae). In October 2013, Lake Keith was temporarily drained.

Water from Lake Keith feeds into the Osage Creek, a tributary of the Illinois River.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 5,495 people, 1,421 households, and 1,255 families residing in the city. The population density was 250.9 people per square mile. In the city, 32.9% of persons were under the age of 18 and 8.6% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 105.8 males.

Cave Springs is the wealthiest city in Arkansas. The median income for a household in the city is $114,286. The per capita income for the city is $140,703. Only about 2.6% of the population lies below the poverty line.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary students is provided by two school districts. Most of the community is within the Bentonville School District. For some residents, public education is zoned to the Rogers School District.

School zoning for the Bentonville schools section is as follows:
 * Most is to Evening Star Elementary School while portions are to Central Park-Morning Star Elementary School.
 * Bright Field Middle School
 * The majority is zoned to Fulbright Junior High School, with some areas to the west within the boundary of Grimsley Junior High School.
 * The majority is zoned to Bentonville High School, with some areas to the west within the boundary of Bentonville West High School.

Government and politics
The current mayor is Randall Noblett who was first elected in 2018 after defeating Mayor Travis Lee by a margin of 248 votes.

The current state representatives that serve districts containing portions of Cave Springs are Rep. Kendon Underwood, Rep. Jim Dotson, and Rep. Delia Haak. The current state senator that serves the district containing Cave Springs is Sen. Bart Hester, who is also a resident of the city.

Notable people

 * Hugh A. Dinsmore, congressman and diplomat
 * Bart Hester, member of the Arkansas Senate
 * Kendon Underwood, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives

title: Cave Springs, Arkansas


text:
Centerton, Arkansas

Centerton is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Located west of Bentonville on Highway 102, Centerton has grown from a railroad stop and fruit orchard community in the early 20th century into a suburban bedroom community within the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas (NWA) region. The city's population has grown from 491 in 1990 to 16,244 in 2019. Centerton is considered to be one of the fastest growing cities in Arkansas and consistently ranks amongst the safest cities in the state.

History
Native American hunters and early settlers were drawn to present-day Centerton by natural springs, including what is now known as McKissick Spring. In the Antebellum South era, an early church and school built along the spring were named Center Point, for the community's central location in Benton County. Though the area did not see any formal action during the Civil War, Union troops camped at McKissick Spring on March 5, 1862, shortly before the Battle of Pea Ridge.

After the Reconstruction era, the Arkansas-Oklahoma Railroad Company connected Rogers, Arkansas and Grove, Oklahoma through western Benton County. The railroad opened the apple and strawberry orchards of the county to new markets, bringing economic prosperity, development, and population growth to the region. Upon laying out the town in 1900, the name was changed to Centerton, as Center Point was already registered in Howard County.

Geography
Centerton is located near the center of Benton County and Arkansas Highway 102 runs through the center of the city and leads east 5 mi to Bentonville and west 11 mi to Decatur.

The city has a total area of 30.8 km2, of which 30.4 sqkm is land and 0.3 sqkm, or 1.13%, is water.

Region
The Northwest Arkansas region consists of three Arkansas counties: Benton, Madison, and Washington. The area had a population of 347,045 at the 2000 census which had increased to 463,204 by the 2010 Census (an increase of 33.47 percent). The region does not consist of the usual principal-city-with-suburbs morphology; though today Centerton is largely a suburb of Bentonville. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport is located south of Centerton and is used to connect all of the Northwest Arkansas region to the rest of the nation. For more than the last decade, Northwest Arkansas has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the United States.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 17,792 people, 4,996 households, and 3,776 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census Centerton had a population of 9,515. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 78.7% non-Hispanic white, 3.5% non-Hispanic black, 1.2% Native American, 2.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.6% from two or more races and 12.2% Hispanic or Latino.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,146 people, 730 households, and 602 families residing in the city. The population density was 533.8 PD/sqmi. There were 796 housing units at an average density of 198.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.37% White, 0.14% Black or African American, 0.93% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.70% from other races, and 1.68% from two or more races. 4.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 730 households, out of which 50.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.3% were married couples living together, 10.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.4% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 34.6% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 38.5% from 25 to 44, 13.1% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,600, and the median income for a family was $50,000. Males had a median income of $31,216 versus $22,731 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,530. About 6.2% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Region
The Northwest Arkansas economy was historically based upon agriculture and poultry. In recent decades, NWA has seen rapid growth and diversification of its economy based upon the big companies based there, Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, and Pinnacle Emergency Vehicles, while also seeing a growing University of Arkansas and cultural amenities sector. Although impacted by the Great Recession, NWA's economy fared better than most peer metropolitan areas, the state of Arkansas and the United States overall. Between 2007 and 2013, the region saw unemployment rates significantly below those of peer regions and the national average; while also seeing a 1% net growth of jobs. The NWA gross domestic product grew 7.0% over the aforementioned time period, and bankruptcies, building permits and per capita incomes are returning to pre-Recession rates.

The professional, education and health care sectors of the Northwest Arkansas economy have been growing steadily since 2007. Between 2007 and 2013, the region has seen a growth of 8,300 jobs in the region, with 6,100 added in education and health professions and 4,300 jobs added in the leisure and hospitality jobs related to the region's cultural amenities. The government and transportation sectors have remained relatively constant between 2007 and 2013, however the manufacturing sector has seen steady decline, mirroring national averages. The construction and real estate sectors saw large declines attributable to the poor housing market during the economic downturn.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary students in the majority of Centerton is provided by Bentonville School District. A very small portion to the west is in the boundary for the Decatur School District. Centerton is home to 3 of the district's schools.

Centerton Gamble Elementary School in Centerton serves kindergarten through grade 4 and includes much of Centerton. Other portions of Centerton are zoned to Elm Tree, Mary Mae Jones, Osage Creek, and Vaughn elementary schools. Centerton is divided between Ardis Ann Middle School, Creekside Middle School, and Ruth Barker Middle School. Much of Centerton is zoned to Grimsley Junior High School in Centerton, while some sections are zoned to Lincoln Junior High School. All portions of Centerton in the Bentonville district are zoned to Bentonville West High School in Centerton.

Decatur High School is the comprehensive high school of the Decatur district.

Centerton is also home to one of Northwest Arkansas's private schools. Lifeway Christian School serves preschool through grade 12 and is based in the city's First Baptist Church Centerton.

title: Centerton, Arkansas


text:
Decatur, Arkansas

Decatur is a city, in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,773 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region. This town is named after Commodore Stephen Decatur, Jr.

Geography
Decatur is located in western Benton County at 36.3375°N, -94.45667°W (36.337541, -94.456721). Arkansas Highway 59 passes through the city, leading north 6 mi to Gravette and 13 mi to the Missouri border, and south 13 mi to Siloam Springs. Arkansas Highway 102 leads east 16 mi to Bentonville and west 10 mi to the Oklahoma border.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Decatur has a total area of 11.7 km2, of which 11.5 sqkm is land and 0.1 sqkm, or 1.21%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,773 people, 591 households, and 419 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census Decatur had a population of 1,699. The racial and ethnic makeup of the population was 62.4% non-Hispanic white, 0.5% non-Hispanic black, 4.3% Native American, 0.9% Asian, 5.2% from two or more races and 28.4% Hispanic or Latino.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,314 people, 465 households, and 346 families residing in the city. The population density was 573.0 PD/sqmi. There were 535 housing units at an average density of 233.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 80.97% White, 5.48% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 10.12% from other races, and 2.97% from two or more races. 16.51% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 465 households, out of which 44.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.3% were married couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 32.0% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,844, and the median income for a family was $33,333. Males had a median income of $22,115 versus $19,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $11,618. About 16.3% of families and 18.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.2% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary school students is provided by the Decatur School District, leading to graduation from Decatur High School.

title: Decatur, Arkansas


text:
Elm Springs, Arkansas

Elm Springs is a city in Benton and Washington Counties, Arkansas, United States. Located immediately west of Springdale in the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan statistical area, Elm Springs has been gaining population in recent years, including a 47% increase in population between the 2000 and 2010 censuses.

History
The first permanent settlement at Elm Springs was made in the 1840s. The town took its name from a large spring near the original town site.

Civil War
Elm Springs served as a gathering point for newly recruited confederate soldiers in 1861 prior to the Battle of Pea Ridge. By 1862, Elm Spring was a mustering site for confederate units from Arkansas and Missouri. Two minor skirmishes were fought in Elm Springs on April 26, and July 30, 1863.

Geography
Elm Springs is located between the Boston Mountains and the Springfield Plateau within the Ozark Mountains. Initially a community surrounding a spring-fed mill, the community flourished even after the mill's destruction during the Civil War.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.79 sqmi.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 2,361 people, 819 households, and 702 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, 1,535 people, 527 households, and 439 families were residing in the city. The population density was 276.9 PD/sqmi. The 577 housing units averaged 108.7/sq mi (42.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 87.4% White, 1.2% African American, 1.4% Native American, 2.9% Asian, .2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. About 8.5% of the population were Hispanics or Latinos of any race.

Of the 527 households, 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.9% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were not families. About 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91, and the average family size was 3.21.

In the city, the age distribution was 26.7% under 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 or older. The median age was 39.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.3 males.

In 2000, The median income for a household in the city was $40,703, and for a family was $45,536. Males had a median income of $30,550 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,551. About 8.6% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.8% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
All of Elm Springs is zoned to Springdale Public Schools.

In 2022 much of Elm Springs is zoned to Shaw Elementary School (areas north of 412), with some areas in the east zoned to Bernice Young Elementary School. All of Elm Springs is zoned to Hellstern Middle School, Central Junior High School, and Har-Ber High School.

Elm Springs, in 2006, was divided between Hunt and Young elementary schools. All portions were zoned to Hellstern Middle School, Central Junior High School, and Har-Ber High.

Transit
As of 2023, there is no fixed route transit service in Elm Springs. Ozark Regional Transit operates demand-response service in the city. The nearest intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Fayetteville.

Roadways

 * Arkansas 112.svg Highway 112

Points of interest

 * Lake Elmdale, a popular fishing and bird-watching location, was built and is maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
 * Steele-Stevens Heritage Park is located around the city's namesake spring.

title: Elm Springs, Arkansas


text:
Garfield, Arkansas

Garfield is a town in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 593 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region.

History
Garfield was platted in 1883. A post office has been in operation at Garfield since 1887.

Geography
Garfield is located in northeast Benton County at 36.45028°N, -93.97361°W (36.450152, -93.973519). U.S. Route 62 passes through the town, leading northeast to Gateway near the Missouri border and southwest to Rogers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 7.7 km2, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 490 people, 177 households and 136 families residing in the town. The population density was 133.5 PD/sqmi. There were 198 housing units at an average density of 54.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.35% White, 1.43% Native American, 0.61% Asian, and 0.61% from two or more races. 1.43% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 177 households, of which 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.2% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.18.

29.4% of residents were under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 20.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.7 males.

The median household income was $33,393 and the median family income was $38,750. Males had a median income of $27,031 versus $22,404 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,159. About 9.8% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary school students in most of Garfield is provided by the Rogers School District. A northern portion is within the Pea Ridge School District. The former school district operates Garfield Elementary School, and this school feeds into Lingle Middle School and Rogers Heritage High School. The latter school district operates Pea Ridge High School.

title: Garfield, Arkansas


text:
Gateway, Arkansas

Gateway is a town in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 436 at the 2020 census, up from 405 in 2010. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region. The town's name reflects its situation as the "gateway" to and from Arkansas.

Geography
Gateway is located in northeastern Benton County at 36.48611°N, -93.93833°W (36.486000, -93.938253), along the Missouri border. U.S. Route 62 passes through the town, leading east to Eureka Springs and Berryville and southwest to Rogers. Arkansas Highway 37 leads north to the Missouri line, where Missouri Route 37 continues north to Seligman and Cassville, Missouri. Gateway is on a plateau in the Ozarks at 1600 ft above sea level, overlooking the valley of the White River and Beaver Lake to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 15.9 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 116 people, 43 households, and 30 families residing in the town. The population density was 203.9 PD/sqmi. There were 48 housing units at an average density of 84.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 96.55% White and 3.45% Native American.

There were 43 households, out of which 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.8% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 12.1% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 28.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.9 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $32,679, and the median income for a family was $45,625. Males had a median income of $41,875 versus $33,958 for females. The per capita income for the town was $16,557. There were 9.1% of families and 10.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including none under 18 and 50.0% of those over 65.

Education
Public education for early childhood, elementary, and secondary school students is provided by two different school districts, depending on the area: Rogers Public Schools and Pea Ridge School District. The latter operates Pea Ridge High School.

title: Gateway, Arkansas


text:
Gentry, Arkansas

Gentry is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 3,790 as of the 2020 census. The city was founded in the Ozark Mountains in 1894 along what would become the Kansas City Southern Railroad. The city's prior prosperity in the orchard industry, especially apples, was further strengthened by the rail connection. Following the decline of the apple industry in the 1930s, Gentry shifted its economy towards poultry along with many other areas of Northwest Arkansas.

History
Gentry began as a rural Ozark agricultural community named Orchard City. Located in western Benton County, it was known for its apple orchards and other produce. The town began to grow when the Kansas City Southern Railroad was constructed through the town. In 1894, residents of the community petitioned the county to officially incorporate, and the city's name was changed to Gentry, after an official in charge of the construction of the railroad.

The railroad proved important to Gentry, and by 1903 the town had grown to a population of 1,000.

The railroad company built a new depot in Gentry in 1926–1927. It was known as one of the nicest depots on the railway line. A banquet was held for the grand opening, and railway officials arrived on a special train to commemorate the event. Four to six passenger trains a week came through Gentry until passenger service was discontinued in 1964.

In 1937, Highway 59 was built, running through the city north and south. It remains the main highway through the city, linking Gentry with other west Benton County communities.

In 1946, the City Council voted to buy a water tank for $1,650 from the War Assets Corporation in Kentucky. In 1948, the city held a special election to issue bonds to install larger water mains and additional fireplugs. In the 1950s, the city purchased its own water company. At the beginning of the 21st century, Gentry was expanding water lines into rural areas surrounding the community.

Using donations, local businesses built the first auditorium at the intersection of Main and Collins streets. The building now houses the city's courtroom.

In the 1960s, when agriculture was no longer the economic base it had once been for the city and the railroad, the train depot was torn down.

The next decade saw the beginning of the construction of a power plant by Southwestern Electric Power Company (often known as SWEPCO). The plant, located 1 mi west of the city limits, is a coal-fueled electric generating facility called Flint Creek Power Plant. Today SWEPCO continues to provide electrical power, and SWEPCO Lake (shown on maps as "Lake Flint Creek") is used for fishing and recreation. To ease traffic through downtown, a new Arkansas Highway 12 bypass was built on the southern edge of town. In the early 1970s, the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari was established north of town. The 400 acre park is home to a variety of exotic animals and consists of a 4 mi drive-through, petting parks and walk-through areas for interaction with the animals. In 1983, the McKee Foods Corporation (then known as McKee Baking Company) opened its manufacturing facility in Gentry.

The city celebrated its centennial in 1994 and held a 110th Birthday Bash in 2004.

Geography
Gentry is located at the intersection of Highway 12 and Highway 59.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 11.0 km2, of which 0.05 sqkm, or 0.44%, is water.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,790 people, 1,449 households, and 1,076 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of 2010 the population of Gentry was 3,158. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 75.4% non-Hispanic white, 0.2% black, 5.6% Native American, 4.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 8.1% from some other race, 3.3% from two or more races and 12.0% Hispanic or Latino.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,165 people, 842 households, and 607 families residing in the city. The population density was 908.3 PD/sqmi. There were 930 housing units at an average density of 390.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 89.84% White, 0.18% Black or African American, 3.42% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 3.33% from other races, and 2.91% from two or more races. 5.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 842 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.9% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.1% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,765, and the median income for a family was $37,569. Males had a median income of $27,361 versus $20,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,309. About 11.7% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.0% of those under age 18 and 17.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
More than 160 businesses, including restaurants, bed and breakfast establishments, small industry/manufacturing plants, retail stores and service-oriented businesses, reside in Gentry.

Gentry's largest employer is McKee Foods Corporation, maker of the famous Little Debbie and Sunbelt snacks. McKee Foods celebrated 20 years of manufacturing in Gentry and dedicated a 40000 sqft expansion to the existing plant in 2002. The company thrift store is located on the corner of Arkansas Highway 59 and Main Street.

Tufco Flooring is also based in Gentry. It was started back in the 1960s by Paul, Donald, and Frank Cox. It now has franchises all over the U.S. with three in Gentry alone: Arkotex Inc., Tufco International, and Tufco Sales and Service. They are producers of industrial flooring, specializing in the food processing industry.

Education
Public education in almost all of the city is provided by the Gentry School District. A very small portion of the city is zoned to Siloam Springs Schools. The Gentry district supported more than 1,400 students in 2010–11. The district and Gentry High School mascot is the Pioneer, with maroon and white serving as the school colors. Siloam Springs High School is the comprehensive high school of the Siloam Springs district.

Another school system in Gentry is Ozark Adventist School (K-8th grade) and Ozark Adventist Academy (grades 9-12). Both schools are sponsored and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The academy features a girls and boys dormitory for students to live in that are not living in the local area. These schools also offer some sports programs but focus on academics and Christian living.

Faith organizations
Gentry has an active faith community with churches of many different affiliations, including Seventh-day Adventist, United Methodist, Baptist, Church of Christ, Assemblies of God and Mennonite. Most denominations offer programs for youth and families as well as regular worship services. A community-wide Thanksgiving program is hosted each year by one of the local churches.

Notable people

 * Jonathan Barnett, a Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Benton County, currently resides in Gentry.
 * Lance Eads, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 88 in Washington County; former resident of Gentry
 * Delia Haak, Member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for district 17, formerly district 91, but the number changed due to redistricting

title: Gentry, Arkansas


text:
Gravette, Arkansas

Gravette is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 3,547 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region.

Geography
Gravette is located in northwestern Benton County, Arkansas.

According to the United States Census Bureau, as of 2010 the city had a total area of 10.4 sqkm, all land. In 2012, the nearby unincorporated community of Hiwasse was facing annexation by the city of Bella Vista. The majority of people within Hiwasse were opposed and chose to be annexed by Gravette instead. The annexation increased Gravette’s total area to 15.33 sqmi.

Gravette city limits are situated approximately 3-miles west of Bentonville, Arkansas, the Benton County, Arkansas seat, and 105 mi east of Tulsa, Oklahoma, 41 mi northwest of Fayetteville, and approximately 60 miles south of Joplin, MO. Several major highways and interstates run through Gravette, including Arkansas highways 72, 59, and 279 and Interstate 49 which has several exits in Gravette.

Early history
The original name of the first European-American settlement at this location was Nebo. The Nebo area is now referred to as Old Town in Chalk Valley and was the earliest pioneer settlement of the community. The settlement was platted in the 1870s by Joseph P. Covey, who relocated to Southwest City, Missouri, in 1881. Ellis Tillman Gravett opened the Chalk Valley Distillery in Nebo and was also the proprietor of a general merchandise store. In 1891, he moved that store west out of the valley to what is now downtown Gravette.

Gravette was aided around 1898 by arrival of the Arkansas and Oklahoma Railroad (later acquired by the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway) which greatly stimulated the fruit-growing industry in the region by providing easy access to markets. Gravette was formally incorporated on January 27, 1899. By 1910 the population of Gravette amounted to 569.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,547 people, 1,305 households, and 884 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of 2010 Gravette had a population of 2,325, with an estimated 1,418 housing units with a majority being occupied. The median household income is estimated at $46,275. Approximately 16.3% of the population has obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 87.8% non-Hispanic white, 0.6% black or African American, 3.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 4.1% from two or more races and 4.0% Hispanic or Latino.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,810 people, 697 households, and 471 families residing in the city. The population density was 775.1 PD/sqmi. There were 773 housing units at an average density of 331.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.87% White, 0.17% Black or African American, 2.10% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 1.05% from other races, and 3.20% from two or more races. 2.93% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 697 households, out of which 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.5% were married couples living together, 14.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.4% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,881, and the median income for a family was $34,844. Males had a median income of $28,571 versus $18,906 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,241. About 11.5% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 19.3% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
R & R Solutions, a packaging and logistics company is one of the largest employers in Gravette. Two plastics production companies, Hendren Plastics and Insul-Bead, are located in Gravette and produce a variety of products, most notably dock floatation devices that are shipped nationwide.

Healthcare
Ozarks Community Hospital is headquartered in Gravette and has a hospital and healthcare clinic in town.

The Gravette Fire Department runs an ALS ambulance service in the city limits. The department is staffed full-time with paramedics and EMTs.

Education
Public education in the majority of Gravette is provided by the Gravette School District, which operates Gravette High School. A small section of Gravette to the east is in the Bentonville School District.

School zoning for the Bentonville section is as follows: Thomas Jefferson Elementary School, Divided between Old High Middle School and Ruth Barker Middle School, Lincoln Junior High School, and Bentonville High School.

Parks and Trail System
Gravette has eight parks throughout the city and two walk-bike trails. The city has three community buildings. Old Town Park features a playground, 9-hole disc golf course, large pavilion, and a shaded, fenced playground area specifically for toddlers. The farmer's market is a seasonal attraction that sets up at Old Town Park and features locally grown produce, meats, and goods. The Gravette skate park is a small skate park adjacent to Pop Allum Park and features quarter-pipes, hand rails, and a fun box. The pool and splash park is a seasonal attraction that features a large swimming pool with slide, and 3,000 square foot splash park with water spouts, splash buckets, spraying water, and small water slides. Hiwasse Park has a fire station themed playground, 1/4-mile concrete walking trail, full-size basketball court, full-size tennis court, and large green space. There is also a pavilion and restrooms. Centennial Park is home to several permanent food trucks. It features a train caboose that was donated to the city by Kansas City Southern. Kindley Park, named after Field E. Kindley, is near downtown Gravette. It has a half-court basketball court, a half-court tennis court, two playgrounds, a pavilion, and a T-33 aircraft on loan from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Pop Allum Park has seven baseball fields and four soccer fields of varying sizes. There is a small playground. On the south end of the park lies the Gravette nature trail. The Gravette dog park is near downtown Gravette and features separate areas for large and small dogs.

Notable people

 * Lloyd Andrews, Western actor and host of children's TV shows
 * Richard "Bigo" Barnett, convicted felon who took part in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.
 * Jim Hendren, current Arkansas state senator
 * Field Eugene Kindley, aviator and World War I flying ace
 * Tommy Morrison, world heavyweight champion
 * Arnold Murray, pastor and TV evangelist (1929–2014)
 * Mary Lou Slinkard, current Arkansas state representative
 * Gene Stephens, former Major League Baseball player

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Gravette has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps. Gravette is the site of the coldest recorded temperature in Arkansas: -29 °F (-34 °C) on February 13, 1905.

According weather data tallied between July 1, 1985, and June 30, 2015, for every location in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's official climate database, Gravette, Arkansas, is the snowiest place in the state of Arkansas with an average of 16 inches of snow per year.

title: Gravette, Arkansas


text:
Environment Wales

Environment Wales is a partnership of voluntary organisations in Wales, whose aim it is to contribute to sustainable development, mainly by awarding grants for projects which contribute to this aim.

The organisations are:
 * Cylch - Wales Community Recycling Network
 * BTCV Cymru
 * Groundwork Wales
 * Keep Wales Tidy
 * The National Trust in Wales
 * Wales Council for Voluntary Action
 * West Wales Eco Centre
 * Wildlife Trusts Wales

title: Environment Wales


text:
Highfill, Arkansas

Highfill is a town in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,587 as of the 2020 census. It is home to the Northwest Arkansas National Airport, which serves all of the Northwest Arkansas region. In September 2023, officials of the airport voted to detach itself from the city over taxing and public service disputes.

Geography
Highfill is located in west-central Benton County at 36.27056°N, -94.325°W (36.270483, -94.325093). Arkansas Highway 12 passes through the town, leading northeast to Bentonville and Rogers and west to Gentry. The Northwest Arkansas National Airport occupies the eastern part of town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Highfill has a total area of 47.3 sqkm, of which 47.1 sqkm is land and 0.3 sqkm, or 0.58%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 561 people, 191 households, and 153 families residing in the town. The population density was 12.9 /km2. There were 165 housing units at an average density of 5.6 /km2. The racial makeup of the town was 92.08% White, 5.28% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 1.32% from other races, and 0.26% from two or more races. 1.06% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 144 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.1% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.9% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 31.4% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $28,854, and the median income for a family was $30,938. Males had a median income of $21,477 versus $21,705 for females. The per capita income for the town was $12,701. About 5.3% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.4% of those under age 18 and 29.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education is available from these school districts based on resident's location:

 * Gentry School District that leads to graduation from Gentry High School.
 * Bentonville School District - Zoned schools for this portion of Highfill are: Vaughn Elementary School, Creekside Middle School, Grimsley Junior High School, and Bentonville West High School.
 * A small section of Highfill is in the Decatur School District. Decatur High School is that district's comprehensive high school.

Dispute with XNA Airport
In September 2023, the board of Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) voted to begin the process of detaching itself from the city of Highfill. The vote was unanimous among the board members present for the vote, while two board members were not present and did not vote.

Among the issues causing the dispute was the taxing of transactions at the airport. All airport transactions were subject to a Highfill city sales tax of 2%. Attorneys for the airport maintained that the airport property received no benefit from the city in regard to policing, firefighting, and road maintenance.

According to a new Arkansas law in 2023, the airport would be responsible for paying off city bonds if it chooses to finalize the detachment from the city.

title: Highfill, Arkansas


text:
Little Flock, Arkansas

Little Flock is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 3,055 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region.

Geography
Little Flock is located on a tributary of Little Sugar Creek approximately two miles north of Rogers.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.6 sqmi, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,055 people, 1,136 households, and 686 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,585 people, in 1,126 households with 99.0% of the population in households. The racial makeup of the population was 76.1% non-Hispanic white, 2.5% black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 4.3% Asian, 0.3% Pacific Islander, 0.1% non-Hispanic from some other race, 3.5% from two or more races and 12.3% Hispanic or Latino.

2000 census
In 2000 there were 1,016 households, and 685 families residing in the city. The population density was 341.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,083 housing units at an average density of 143.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.21% White, 0.89% Black or African American, 1.70% Native American, 5.65% Asian, 0.43% Pacific Islander, 5.88% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. 15.98% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,016 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.5% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 16.3% from 18 to 24, 33.2% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,768, and the median income for a family was $38,456. Males had a median income of $28,661 versus $21,708 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,447. About 10.2% of families and 13.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary students within the majority of Little Flock is provided by Rogers Public Schools. Small sections of Little Flock are zoned to Bentonville School District and Pea Ridge School District.

The Bentonville district portion is zoned to the following schools: Apple Glen Elementary School, Ruth Barker Middle School, Washington Junior High School, and Bentonville High School.

title: Little Flock, Arkansas


text:
Lowell, Arkansas

Lowell is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Located within the Ozarks, the first settlement was along Old Wire Road in the 1840s, and although destroyed during the Civil War, the community was reestablished by J. R. McClure and thrived when the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway came through the area in the 1880s. The city is a growing bedroom community within the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region. Lowell is the headquarters of trucking company J.B. Hunt. Lowell's population was 9,839 at the 2020 census, an increase of 34% since 2010.

History
Lowell was platted in 1881. A post office has been in operation at Lowell since 1881.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Lowell has a total area of 23.9 km2, of which 23.7 sqkm is land and 0.2 sqkm, or 0.68%, is water. Lowell is located in southern Benton County and is bordered by the cities of Springdale to the south, Cave Springs to the west and Rogers to the north. 4 mi to the east is Beaver Lake, a large reservoir of the White River.

Metropolitan area
Northwest Arkansas consists of three Arkansas counties: Benton, Madison, and Washington. The area had a population of 347,045 at the 2000 census which had increased to 463,204 by the 2010 Census (an increase of 33.47 per cent). The area does not have the usual principal-city-with-suburbs morphology; instead, the four principal cities are located in a line along Interstate 49. Lowell is also along this corridor, between Springdale and Rogers.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,839 people, 3,277 households, and 2,302 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census Lowell had a population of 7,327. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 68.7% non-Hispanic white, 0.9% black or African American, 1.4% Native American, 2.7% Asian, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 2.6% from two or more races and 24.7% Hispanic or Latino.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,013 people, 1,914 households, and 1,381 families residing in the city. The population density was 800.7 PD/sqmi. There were 2,044 housing units at an average density of 326.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.67% White, 0.78% Black or African American, 0.88% Native American, 2.71% Asian, 0.98% Pacific Islander, 4.09% from other races, and 1.90% from two or more races. 8.94% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 1,914 households, out of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.4% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.7% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 40.5% from 25 to 44, 15.0% from 45 to 64, and 5.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,063, and the median income for a family was $55,944. Males had a median income of $31,677 versus $24,196 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,861. About 4.4% of families and 5.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Public education for elementary and secondary students is provided by Rogers School District. Lowell is home to Lowell Elementary School and Elza R. Tucker Elementary School, both administered by the Rogers School District. The city is also adjacent to Janie Darr Elementary School.

Lowell Elementary feeds into Kirksey Middle School and Tucker and Darr elementaries feed into Elmwood Middle School. Both middle schools feed into Rogers High School.
 * Lowell Elementary School was named as a 2015 Arkansas Reward School for Top 5% performance for High Student Performance and Academic Growth.

Grace Lutheran School is a Christian pre-school and grade school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Lowell.

Transportation
U.S. Route 71B passes through the center of Lowell as Bloomington Street and leads north 5 mi to the center of Rogers and south 5 miles to the center of Springdale. Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 71 pass to the west of downtown Lowell, with access to the city at Exit 78 (Arkansas Highway 264). I-49 leads north 14 mi to its end north of Bentonville and south 14 mi to Fayetteville and 69 mi to Fort Smith. Highway 264 is a main east-west road in Lowell, connecting I-49 and US 71B.

Utilities
Water and sewer service in Lowell is mostly provided by Springdale Water Utilities, with a small portion of northern Lowell receiving service from Rogers Water Utilities. Subdivisions in western Lowell operate on decentralized sewer systems due to a lack of available gravity sewer service.

Potable water for much of Northwest Arkansas is treated by Beaver Water District's water treatment plant, located in eastern Lowell near Beaver Lake. Wastewater is collected by gravity sewer and sent to a lift station near the Monroe Avenue exit on I-49. It is then pumped south, eventually being treated at the Springdale Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Notable people

 * Duncan Baird, District 96 state representative, securities trader in Lowell, candidate for state treasurer in 2014
 * Ryan Foster, racing driver

title: Lowell, Arkansas


text:
Pea Ridge, Arkansas

Pea Ridge is a city in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. The name Pea Ridge is derived from a combination of the physical location of the original settlement of the town, across the crest of a ridge of the Ozark Mountains, and for the hog peanuts or turkey peas that had been originally cultivated by Native American tribes centuries before European settlement, which later helped to provide basic subsistence once those pioneer settlers arrived.

The rural town is best known as the location of the pivotal American Civil War engagement the Battle of Pea Ridge, or, as it is locally known, the Battle of Elkhorn Tavern, which took place approximately 5 mi east of the town. The site of the battle is preserved as the Pea Ridge National Military Park.

The town's downtown business district is on the National Register of Historic Places and largely comprises commercial structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The population of Pea Ridge was 6,559 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Northwest Arkansas region. The local weekly newspaper is the Times of Northeast Benton County.

Geography
Arkansas Highway 94 is the main road through the city, leading south 8 mi to the center of Rogers and northwest 6 mi to the Missouri border. Arkansas Highway 72 leads east 5 mi to U.S. Route 62 at Pea Ridge National Military Park, and southwest 9 mi to Bentonville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.1 km2, all land.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,559 people, 2,021 households, and 1,455 families residing in the city.

2010 census
As of the 2010 Census, Pea Ridge had a population of 4,794. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 90.7% white, 0.7% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 2.0% from two or more races and 5.8% Hispanic or Latino.

There were 1300 households, out of which 37.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.3% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.1% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,244, and the median income for a family was $42,222. Males had a median income of $29,340 versus $21,298 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,149. 7.7% of the population and 6.0% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 9.9% of those under the age of 18 and 7.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Education
Most of Pea Ridge is zoned to the Pea Ridge School District. A small section is zoned to Rogers Public Schools. Pea Ridge High School is the comprehensive high school of the former.

title: Pea Ridge, Arkansas


text:
Prairie Creek, Arkansas

Prairie Creek is a census-designated place (CDP) in Benton County, Arkansas, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 2,217. It is a lakefront community adjacent to Beaver Lake and Rogers within the Northwest Arkansas region.

Geography
Prairie Creek is located at 36.34083°N, -94.06167°W (36.340915, -94.061603).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.4 sqmi, all land.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,849 people, 832 households, and 607 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 432.3 PD/sqmi. There were 914 housing units at an average density of 213.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.35% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. 0.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 832 households, out of which 18.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.2% were married couples living together, 3.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.59.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 17.1% under the age of 18, 3.5% from 18 to 24, 20.3% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 26.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $59,000, and the median income for a family was $61,709. Males had a median income of $52,969 versus $30,852 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $37,355. About 2.3% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.1% of those under age 18 and 3.5% of those age 65 or over.

Human resources
Public education for early childhood, elementary and secondary school students is provided by Rogers School District.

The primary law enforcement agency in Prairie Creek is the Benton County Sheriff's Office. The Prairie Creek Substation opened on Highway 12 in 2017.

Culture
The community is home to the Prairie Creek Marina on Beaver Lake. The marina has over 500 boat slips.

Education
It is in the Rogers Public Schools school district.

title: Prairie Creek, Arkansas