Metroplan Announces the Release of The Central Arkansas Economy in 2026

Central Arkansas’ growth is being powered by people-focused industries, with health care and education leading the way, followed by strong gains in leisure and hospitality. Transportation, retail, finance, and manufacturing also posted steady—if more modest—growth, signaling underlying resilience in the regional economy.

– Regional retail sales edged upward in 2025, reversing the previous year’s small decline the year before.

– The regional housing market continues thriving. In 2025, new single-family home construction hit its highest level since 2021.

– Local population trends will be a critical factor for housing markets looking forward. National population growth has slowed sharply amid shifting migration policies, dropping nearly by half from 2024 to 2025. The impact on local population growth will be smaller, since Central Arkansas’ share of foreign-born population runs about half the national average.

– The national and international economies are facing uncertainties. Global tensions—including the ongoing conflict with Iran—are rattling oil markets, while inflation, now around 2.4%, and interest rate decisions will be key factors to watch in 2026.

Central Arkansas isn’t just weathering change—it’s proving it can adapt, compete, and grow in an unpredictable economic landscape.

Read the full report in pdf format.

Read the full press release in pdf format.

^{Featured image photo credit: City of Conway, Arkansas}