Not only is the cost of doing business in Arkansas one of the lowest in the nation, the average cost of living for all of Arkansas’ metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) is consistently below the national average. Businesses also enjoy low tax obligations through a variety of incentives, exemptions, credits and refunds.
As of 2018, six Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Arkansas: Dillard’s, J.B. Hunt, Murphy USA, Tyson Foods, Walmart and Windstream.
Arkansas’ unemployment rate remains well below the national average.
Hydropower, solar and other renewables provide nearly 10% of Arkansas’ net electricity generation according to an analysis by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Governor Hutchinson said the number of Arkansas high school students enrolled in computer science courses has risen 22% in the 2019-2020 school year compared to the previous year.
In 2019, Forbes named Fayetteville, Little Rock and Fort Smith among the top MSAs in the U.S. for Business and Careers. Making the magazine’s list of “Best Small Places for Business and Careers” were Jonesboro, Hot Springs and Pine Bluff.