RANK #382 / 996 · POP 74,292 · AR
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.2%
Lonoke County, Arkansas, distinguishes itself as the only county in the state where the county seat shares its name. Located in central Arkansas, about 22 miles east of Little Rock, the county offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and convenient access to a larger metropolitan area. Commuting to Little Rock is a common option for many residents, with travel times around 30 minutes by car via Interstate 40. The northern part of the county, including towns like Cabot, Austin, and Ward, serves as a bedroom community for those working in Little Rock and at the Little Rock Air Force Base. The landscape varies, with rolling hills in the north and fertile prairie land in the middle, ideal for agriculture and aquaculture. Outdoor recreation opportunities include local parks and access to trails like the Arkansas River Trail for hiking and biking.
Life in Lonoke County often appeals to families seeking a quieter environment with highly rated public schools. The community maintains a rural feel, where many residents own their homes. The economy is largely supported by agriculture, particularly rice and soybeans, and aquaculture, with the Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery being a notable institution. Local industries, schools, and government jobs also contribute to the economic picture. Recently, there has been investment in renewable energy, with large-scale solar projects under development within the county, contributing to economic growth and job creation.
Overvalued relative to economy
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 8.0x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Downstream Solar Energy Center
Invenergy
|
$600M | Planned |
|
WEST MEMPHIS EHV - KEO EHV 500.0kV Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$348M | Planned |
|
Beautyberry Solar and Storage
OnPeak Power
|
$100M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Lonoke County has a Boom Town Index score of 62/100, ranking #382 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +2.4% and a median household income of $68,078, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Lonoke County is $169,600 with median rent at $944/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.4014, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.6% year-over-year. Job growth: +2.4%. Home values changed +2.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.17% of Lonoke County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.