Community Profile
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers Metro Statistical Area
The FSR Market Area, with an estimated 2008 Population of 500,000, is comprised of four counties. This thriving area is anchored by Fayetteville, Springdale and Rogers, which is located in Washington and Benton Counties, and covers approximately 3,200 square miles and has been in the top fastest growing areas in the United States since 2000. This area is more affluent than the state as a whole. Average household income in 2008 is approximately $59,000, an increase of over 27% since 2000.
The FSR area's rapid consistent economic growth has been driven by several factors, including strong economic development, tourism and the presence of Arkansas' leading university, The University of Arkansas. This area is home to Fortune 500 companies including: Walmart (Fortune One), which is located approximately 7 minutes north of Rogers in Bentonville; Tyson, a Fortune 100 Company located approximately fifteen minutes south of Rogers in Springdale; and J.B. Hunt, which is approximately five minutes south of Rogers in Lowell.
The Walmart Effect
With more than 22,000 associates throughout Northwest Arkansas, Walmart is the number one employer and the economic driver in our area. Another key driver of economic development is Walmart's influence on it vendors, many of which have established branch offices in the FSR Metro Statistical Area. An estimated 800 Walmart vendors now have offices within a 5 mile-radius of Walmart's headquarters. Furthermore, Walmart has over 27,000 vendors supporting its operations, and over 500 vendors call on the retailer each day, bringing over 100,000 people to the Northwest Arkansas region annually.
Benton County
Benton County, with a population of 200,000 plus, is the heart of the Northwest Arkansas Region. The county boasts the highest population growth in the state. Rogers is the largest city in Benton County and it the county's center for economic growth.
Northwest Arkansas is recognized for its combination of larger metropolitan amenities and small-town convenience. Residents enjoy a higher standard of living at lower costs than most Metro Statistical Areas with similar population size.
