Big Rock
RANK #377 / 996 NAT · #9 / 13 AR · POP 398,322
1YR FORECAST: +1.0%
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.
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.3x — 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 →
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 |
|
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 996 counties.
With a Boom Town Index score of 62/100, Pulaski County sits in the upper half of all 996 ranked counties. Employment is expanding at +1.9%, and median household income stands at $58,326 — indicators that suggest solid fundamentals even if it's not among the fastest-growing counties in AR.
Housing in Pulaski County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $187,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $985/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Pulaski County are hiring — job growth of +1.9% — but the population is close to flat (+0.1% YoY). Home values moved +2.2% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.23% 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.