Little Rock

Discover Little Rock, Arkansas: The Capital City with Soul and SkylineWelcome to Little Rock, Arkansas—the dynamic heart of the Natural State where Southern hospitality meets urban energy, and history pulses through every street. Named for a small rock formation on the Arkansas River that once served as a landmark for early travelers, this capital city is anything but small in spirit. Spanning 122.94 square miles across Pulaski County at an elevation of 335 feet, Little Rock anchors the thriving Little Rock–North Little Rock–Conway Metropolitan Statistical Area with a 2025 population of 204,865—up 0.6% from 2024. With ZIP codes from 72201 to 72227, easy access via I-30, I-40, and the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), and a motto of "One City. One Future.", Little Rock blends big-city amenities with small-town warmth, making it a magnet for families, innovators, and culture seekers alike.A Vibrant, Diverse Community on the RiseLittle Rock’s population reflects a rich tapestry: 54.1% White, 40.2% Black or African American, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 2.1% Asian, and growing multiracial communities. The median age is 37.2, with 21% of residents under 18 and an average household size of 2.36. As the state’s most populous city, it’s a hub of inclusion, with 28.4% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher and a median household income of $60,531—supported by a diverse economy and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. From historic neighborhoods like Quapaw Quarter to modern enclaves in West Little Rock, the city offers housing for every lifestyle, with a median home value of $225,000 and a cost of living 12% below the national average.A Legacy of Courage and TransformationLittle Rock’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. Founded in 1821 and named the territorial capital in 1821, it became Arkansas’s permanent seat of government in 1836. The city played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement—most notably during the 1957 Little Rock Nine crisis, when nine African American students bravely integrated Central High School under federal protection. Today, Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site stands as a National Park Service landmark, drawing visitors worldwide to reflect on courage and equality. From its early river port days to surviving the Great Flood of 1927 and the Tornado of 1999, Little Rock has risen stronger, honoring its past while building a future of progress.An Economic Engine Powering ArkansasAs the state’s economic powerhouse, Little Rock drives growth in healthcare, technology, finance, and logistics. Home to world-class institutions like UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences), Arkansas Children’s Hospital, and Dillard’s corporate headquarters, the city employs over 100,000 in healthcare alone. Downtown’s River Market District and SoMa (South Main) buzz with startups, craft breweries, and the Little Rock Tech Park, a $100M innovation hub fostering AI, cybersecurity, and software development. With Fortune 500 presence like Bank OZK and proximity to the Port of Little Rock, the city’s strategic location on the Arkansas River and major interstates fuels trade and opportunity. The Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce champions business with initiatives like LaunchLR, supporting entrepreneurs and attracting talent.World-Class Education from Cradle to CareerEducation is a cornerstone, with the Little Rock School District (serving 23,000+ students), Pulaski County Special School District, and top-rated charters like eSTEM and LISA Academy. Higher education thrives with UALR (University of Arkansas at Little Rock), UA-Pulaski Tech, and the Clinton School of Public Service. Over 40% of adults in metro areas hold advanced degrees, and programs like Arkansas Coding Academy and The Venture Center equip residents for high-demand tech careers. From STEM-focused magnet schools to the Central Arkansas Library System—one of the nation’s best—Little Rock invests in lifelong learning.Culture, Cuisine, and Endless AdventureLittle Rock pulses with creativity. The River Market District comes alive with farmers’ markets, live music, and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Savor global flavors—from Soul Fish Café’s catfish to The Root Café’s farm-to-table fare—and sip craft brews at Lost Forty Brewing or Flyway Brewing. Art lovers flock to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (reopened 2023 with stunning architecture) and the Esse Purse Museum. Outdoor enthusiasts explore Pinnacle Mountain State Park, kayak the Arkansas River via the Big Dam Bridge, or bike 85+ miles of the Arkansas River Trail. Annual events like Riverfest (returning in 2026), World Cheese Dip Championship, and AETN Be Mighty 5K unite the community in celebration.Safe, Smart, and ConnectedLittle Rock prioritizes progress with initiatives like the 2025 Complete Streets Plan, enhancing walkability and transit, and the Little Rock Port Authority’s $150M expansion for greener logistics. Public safety is bolstered by the Little Rock Police Department’s Community Programs and Real-Time Crime Center. Utilities from Entergy Arkansas and Central Arkansas Water ensure reliability, while LIT Airport connects to 20+ nonstop destinations. The city’s 311 system and My Little Rock app make civic engagement seamless.In Little Rock, every corner tells a story—of courage, creativity, and community. Whether you’re launching a business, raising a family, or chasing adventure, this capital city offers one future filled with possibility. Ready to write your chapter? Visit littlerock.gov or the Little Rock Regional Chamber to get started. Welcome to Little Rock—where the rock is small, but the dreams are big.