RANK #682 / 1001 NAT · #13 / 13 AR · POP 399,818
1YR FORECAST: +0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +26%
Pulaski County, Arkansas, stands out with its diverse natural landscape, where three of Arkansas's six natural divisions converge: the Ouachita Mountains, the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, and the Coastal Plain. This central Arkansas county is home to Little Rock, the state capital and largest city, and North Little Rock, situated just across the Arkansas River. Commuting within the county is facilitated by an extensive interstate highway system, including I-30 and I-40, and local public transportation options like Rock Region METRO bus services. The Arkansas River Trail, a 15.6-mile paved loop, offers opportunities for walking, running, and biking, providing scenic views of the Arkansas and Maumelle Rivers.
Life in Pulaski County offers a mix of urban amenities and outdoor recreation. The county's public schools are generally above average, with several districts serving the area, including the Pulaski County Special School District. Recent economic developments show significant investment in technology, particularly in data centers, positioning the county as a growing hub for digital infrastructure. Additionally, the region has seen growth in renewable energy initiatives, with local firms and county government utilizing solar power. The job market has experienced steady growth, contributing to a dynamic economic picture for residents.
Pulaski County is one of 75 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +3.5% runs above the profile's typical +0.8%.
See all 75 Affordable Slow Markets counties →Below national median (11.3x)
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing is fairly valued at 5.0x 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
AVAIO Digital Leo Data Center Campus
AVAIO Digital Partners
|
$6,000M | Under Construction |
|
Pulaski County Data Center (Project Goose/Poseidon)
Undisclosed Developer
|
$3,000M | Proposed |
|
Google Data Center (Project Boar)
Google (via Willowbend Capital LLC)
|
$1,000M | Planned |
|
Invenergy Downstream Solar Energy Center
Invenergy
|
$600M | Proposed |
|
Amazon Logistics Center
Amazon
|
$200M | Under Construction |
|
Southwest and Southeast Trail Projects
Pulaski County (various grants)
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
At 31/100, Pulaski County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 1001 counties we track. Median income of $62,873 combined with job growth of +0.4% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Pulaski County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $214,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $1,080/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Pulaski County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs +0.4%. Home values shifted +3.5% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.99% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Pulaski County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.