Arkansas, also known as the Natural State, has seen a significant influx of people from other states in the past few years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas had a net migration of 27,788 people from 2019 to 2020, ranking it 15th among the 50 states. But where are these people coming from, and why are they choosing Arkansas as their new home?
The Top States That People Are Leaving for Arkansas
The U.S. Census Bureau provides data on the state-to-state migration flows for each year, based on the American Community Survey. According to the latest available data, for the year 2019, the top five states that people left for Arkansas were:
Texas: 9,494 people moved from Texas to Arkansas, accounting for 17.6% of the total inflow.
California: 7,057 people moved from California to Arkansas, accounting for 13.1% of the total inflow.
Missouri: 5,674 people moved from Missouri to Arkansas, accounting for 10.5% of the total inflow.
Tennessee: 4,508 people moved from Tennessee to Arkansas, accounting for 8.4% of the total inflow.
Oklahoma: 3,892 people moved from Oklahoma to Arkansas, accounting for 7.2% of the total inflow.
These five states combined contributed 56.8% of the total number of people who moved to Arkansas from other states in 2019, which was 53,915.
The Reasons Why People Are Moving to Arkansas
There are many possible reasons why people are moving to Arkansas from other states, but some of the most common ones are:
Lower cost of living: Arkansas has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation, ranking 45th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. The median home value in Arkansas is $136,200, compared to the national median of $240,500. The median household income in Arkansas is $48,952, compared to the national median of $65,712. This means that people can afford more with less in Arkansas, especially when it comes to housing, utilities, and taxes.
Natural beauty and outdoor recreation: Arkansas is known for its scenic landscapes, diverse wildlife, and abundant water resources. The state has 52 state parks, three national forests, one national park, and 10 national scenic byways. Some of the most popular attractions include the Hot Springs National Park, the Buffalo National River, the Ozark Mountains, and the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Arkansas also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, boating, and camping.
Friendly and welcoming culture: Arkansas is often described as a friendly and hospitable state, where people value family, community, and tradition. The state has a rich cultural heritage, influenced by Native American, African American, European, and Southern roots. The state also has a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, featuring museums, theaters, festivals, and music venues. Some of the most famous cultural icons from Arkansas include Johnny Cash, Maya Angelou, Bill Clinton, and Walmart.
Conclusion
Arkansas is a state that attracts people from other states for various reasons, such as lower cost of living, natural beauty, and friendly culture. The state has seen a steady growth in population and economy in recent years, and is expected to continue to do so in the future. Arkansas is a state that offers a high quality of life and a sense of belonging to its residents, both old and new.