Census: Cities and towns in Arkansas see growth and declines

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) – New U.S. Census Bureau data shows while some
Arkansas cities and towns have seen some of the biggest population drops in the country, others have experienced some of the nation’s largest growth.

Demographers say rural areas continue to shrink as urban areas grow. Economists say it’s consistent with more job opportunities in cities. Though the census statistics show big cities in the U.S. aren’t growing like they used to.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports the figures released Thursday indicates that populations in 73 Arkansas cities and towns have declined at least 10 percent since 2010.

But the state has been above average across the U.S. in population and housing increases. Arkansas has 36 cities and towns in the top 1,000 for population growth, which is higher than all but eight states.

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