Jonesboro
RANK #78 / 996 NAT · #3 / 13 AR · POP 111,038
1YR FORECAST: +2.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +37%
Craighead County, Arkansas, stands out for having two county seats, Jonesboro and Lake City, a unique arrangement in the state. Located in northeast Arkansas, Jonesboro, the largest city, is approximately 68 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee. The county is characterized by Crowley's Ridge, a crescent-shaped outcropping offering higher ground and natural scenery amidst the flatter alluvial plains. Outdoor recreation is available at places like Craighead Forest Park, which offers hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Life in Craighead County is shaped by its agricultural roots and growing industries. The economy, historically reliant on farming, has diversified into manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with Arkansas State University in Jonesboro being a significant institution. Recent economic developments include investments in industrial infrastructure, such as the expansion of water service in Craighead Technology Park, and new manufacturing facilities. Public schools in the county are generally above average, with several highly-ranked elementary and intermediate schools.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 3.6x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Pinnacle Solar
Pedal Steel Solar
|
$150M | Proposed |
|
Industrial Water Expansion (Craighead Technology Park South)
Jonesboro Unlimited, AEDC, Craighead County, Jonesboro City Water & Light
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
InnovAsian Cuisine Manufacturing Facility
InnovAsian Cuisine Enterprises Inc. (subsidiary of Nichirei Foods Inc.)
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Craighead County ranks #78 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 92/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.9% and a median household income of $55,169 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Craighead County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $182,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $870/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Craighead County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.1% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.9% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +3.2% over the past 12 months.
In significant numbers — 5.71% of Craighead County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.