North Little Rock, Arkansas

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North Little Rock, Arkansas
North Little Rock from across the Arkansas River
North Little Rock from across the Arkansas River
Template:Infobox settlement/columns
Motto(s): 
“Up for Something!”
Template:Location map
Coordinates: 34°46′51″N 92°15′25″W / 34.78083°N 92.25694°W / 34.78083; -92.25694Coordinates: 34°46′51″N 92°15′25″W / 34.78083°N 92.25694°W / 34.78083; -92.25694
Country United States
StateTemplate:Country data Arkansas
CountyPulaski
TownshipHill
FoundedApril 18, 1871 (1871-04-18)
IncorporatedJuly 17, 1901 (1901-07-17)
Named forLittle Rock, Arkansas
Government
 • TypeMayor–Council
 • MayorTerry Hartwick
 • CouncilNorth Little Rock City Council
Area
 • CityTemplate:Infobox settlement/areadisp
 • LandTemplate:Infobox settlement/areadisp
 • WaterTemplate:Infobox settlement/areadisp
ElevationTemplate:Infobox settlement/lengthdisp
Population
 (2020)
 • City64,591
 • Estimate 
(2025)[3]
65,120 Template:Gain
 • RankUS: 524th
 • DensityTemplate:Infobox settlement/densdisp
 • Urban
431,388 (US: 88th)
 • Urban densityTemplate:Infobox settlement/densdisp
 • Metro
729,135 (US: 75th)
 • Metro densityTemplate:Infobox settlement/densdisp
Time zoneUTC−6 (CST)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
72114-119, 721124, 72190, 72199
Area code(s)501
FIPS code05-50450
GNIS feature ID2404393[2]
Websitenlr.ar.gov

North Little Rock (often abbreviated "NLR") is a city in Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States. Located on the north side of the Arkansas River, it is the twin city of Little Rock. In the late nineteenth century, it was annexed by Little Rock for a period, but regained its independence in the early 20th century. The population was 64,591 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-most populous city in Arkansas.

The city has invested in significant beautification efforts since the late 20th century. Young families and professionals have shown new interest in this area. The Argenta Historic District in Downtown is one of a number of areas that have developed as thriving entertainment districts offering theaters, fine dining, bars, gastropubs, and boutiques.

It is also home to Dickey-Stephens Park, which hosts the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team. Simmons Bank Arena is the metropolitan area's main entertainment venue. Farther west is Burns Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.

History

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Originally named Argenta, Arkansas, the community was founded on April 18, 1871.[4] In 1890, the city of Little Rock annexed Argenta as part of its eighth ward, preempting a competing petition to incorporate.

As part of a plan to reclaim its independence, Argenta was incorporated on July 17, 1901, as the town of "North Little Rock". By 1904, the state's supreme court allowed North Little Rock to annex what was left of the ward. It readopted the name Argenta in 1906, only to revert to North Little Rock in October 1917. Evidence of the old town can still be found in the North Little Rock City Hall (built in 1914) which contains plaques referring to Argenta, and incorporates "C of A" (i.e. City of Argenta) ornamental features.[5]

Geography

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According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.0 square miles (122 km2), of which 44.8 square miles (116 km2) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) (4.58%) is water.

Neighborhoods

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Climate

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The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, North Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[6]

North Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and sunny summers and mild, wet winters with little snow. January on average is the coldest month, while July is typically the warmest, though occasionally August can claim the distinction.[7] The overall yearly average temperature is 62.5 degrees. Precipitation averages 45.79 inches a year, with winter and spring tending to be wetter than summer and autumn.[8] Severe thunderstorms can occur, especially during the spring.

Template:Little Rock, Arkansas weatherbox

Demographics

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Template:US Census population

2020 census

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As of the 2020 census, North Little Rock had a population of 64,591 with 28,967 households and 14,720 families. The population density was 1,234.2 people per square mile.[9][10]

The median age was 37.6 years; 23.0% of residents were under 18 (including 6.9% under age 5), and 16.1% were 65 or older. For every 100 females there were 89.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 85.9 males age 18 and over.[9]

About 95.4% of residents lived in urban areas and 4.6% lived in rural areas.[11]

Of the city's households, 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 30.5% were married-couple households, 23.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 39.3% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 38.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[9]

There were 32,856 housing units, of which 11.8% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.2% and the rental vacancy rate was 10.8%.[9]

Racial composition as of the 2020 census[10]
Race Number Percent
White 29,294 45.4%
Black or African American 27,634 42.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 347 0.5%
Asian 753 1.2%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 32 0.0%
Some other race 2,581 4.0%
Two or more races 3,950 6.1%
Hispanic or Latino (of any race) 4,592 7.1%

2010 census

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As of the census of 2010, there were 62,304 people, 25,542 households, and 16,117 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,348.6 inhabitants per square mile (520.7/km2). There were 27,567 housing units at an average density of 615.2 per square mile (237.5/km2). The city was 54.02% White, 39.73% Black or African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 2.71% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. 5.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 25,542 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 17.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older[citation needed]. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males[citation needed].

The median income for a household in the city was $35,578, and the median income for a family was $43,595[citation needed]. Males had a median income of $31,420 versus $24,987 for females[citation needed]. The per capita income for the city was $19,662[citation needed]. About 12.4% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.5% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over[citation needed].

Arts and culture

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Points of interest

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File:US Navy 070521-N-2908O-002 The Navy Operational Support Center (NOSC) Little Rock's Ceremonial Color Guard parades the colors to officially open a ceremony.jpg
United States Navy color guard at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

Sports

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Dickey-Stephens Park is the location of the Arkansas Travelers baseball team.

Parks and recreation

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  • Arkansas River Trail
  • Big Rock Quarry Park, which includes a Bike Park and Pump Track
  • Burns Park, one of the largest city-owned parks in the United States, contains a baseball and softball complex, soccer complex, campground, two golf courses, hiking trails, amusement park, and tennis complex.
  • Campbell Lake Park
  • Conley Park
  • Crestview Park
  • Emerald Park
  • Fearneyhough Park
  • Idlewild Park
  • North Little Rock Riverfront Park (formally known as North Shore Riverwalk Park)
  • Riverview Park, includes a skate park with street elements and a bowl
  • T. R. Pugh Memorial Park, location of the Old Mill in the movie Gone With The Wind
  • Vestal Park
  • W.C. Faucette Memorial Park
  • Witkowski Park

Government

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File:North Little Rock City Hall 04.jpg
The North Little Rock city council chambers

The City of North Little Rock elected officials are a mayor, city council of eight members (with two from each of the four wards), city clerk/treasurer, city attorney, and two judges. This is supplemented by a number of boards and commissions composed of city officials and residents.[14]

Intergovernmental relations

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North Little Rock is home to the headquarters of the Arkansas Municipal League (AML), the state's only municipal representation organization. AML prides itself on providing leadership to each city or town before the state and federal governments. It is also a place for discussion and sharing of mutual concerns.[15]

Education

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Public primary and secondary schools

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Most students attend public schools in the North Little Rock School District[citation needed] which includes:

  • One high school
  • One middle school
    • North Little Rock Middle School, which is subdivided into a 6th grade campus and a 7-8th grade campus
  • Nine elementary schools
    • Amboy Elementary
    • Boone Park Elementary
    • Crestwood Elementary
    • Glenview Elementary
    • Indian Hills Elementary
    • Lakewood Elementary
    • Meadow Park Elementary
    • Ridge Road Elementary (formerly Ridge Road Middle School)
    • Seventh Street Elementary
  • One early childhood center
    • Pike View Early Childhood Center

The North Little Rock High School West Campus facility is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its art-deco architecture style.[16]

In addition, the Pulaski County Special School District administers several other North Little Rock area schools, including:

  • one middle school, and
  • three elementary schools and one elementary magnet school.

Scipio Jones High School was the public school for black children under segregation. It was established in 1909 and disestablished in 1970.[17]

File:ChrisLitherlandArgenta.jpg
Downtown North Little Rock, known as Argenta, in September 2011

Private primary and secondary schools

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In North Little Rock, there are a number of private schools:

  • Calvary Academy (PreK3-12)
  • Central Arkansas Christian Schools (PreK3-12)
  • Immaculate Conception (K-8)
  • North Little Rock Montessori
  • North Little Rock Catholic Academy (PreK3-8)
    • Formed in 2007 by the merger of St. Mary School and St. Patrick School.[18]

North Little Rock previously had a Catholic grade school for black students, St. Augustine School. It closed in 1976.[19]

Post-secondary education

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Public libraries

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The North Little Rock Public Library System has two branches: the Argenta Branch Library and the William F. Laman branch, which was named after a former mayor.[20]

Infrastructure

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Transportation

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Highways

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North Little Rock is also the eastern terminus of Interstate 30 and southern terminus of the Arkansas-designated portion of Interstate 57. Interstate 40, US 65, US 67, and US 167 all run through the city.

Bus

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North Little Rock is home to the headquarters of Rock Region Metro, Arkansas's largest transit agency. Before 2015, it was known as CATA (Central Arkansas Transit Authority). That same year, all of CATA's former buses were retrofitted to be energy-efficient. Rock Region's main bus terminal is located in Little Rock nearby the city's River Market. Rock Region also has the Metro Rail streetcars, which are a group of classic black and yellow streetcars that can be seen in Little Rock’s River Market and North Little Rock’s Argenta.

Air

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In the city's northern part is the North Little Rock Municipal Airport. It has several hangars and is frequented by people who fly biplanes. It is a reliever airport for Clinton National Airport.

It is home to the National Weather Service North Little Rock, Arkansas. This is a major weather service authority in the region and frequently works with major media platforms to inform Arkansans of weather patterns in the state.

Police

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Template:Infobox UCR

The North Little Rock Police Department operates unmanned aerial vehicles and has been working with a small pilotless helicopter since 2008.[21]

Fire department

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In addition to fire and EMS calls, the North Little Rock Fire Department (NLRFD) responds to calls for their Special Operations Response Team, Haz Mat Response Team, and Water Rescue for the Arkansas River.[22]

Hospitals

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Notable people

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Sister cities

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Notes

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References

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  1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Template:GNIS
  3. "Vintage 2025 Total Population Estimates for Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions; Housing Unit Estimates for the Nation, States and Counties". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2026.
  4. Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971. NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls. Records of the Post Office Department, Record Group Number 28, Washington, D.C.: National Archives
  5. Adams, Walter M., "A History of North Little Rock The Unique City" (1986, August House)(ISBN 0874830028)
  6. Climate Summary for North Little Rock
  7. "North Little Rock, AR Weather Forecast and Conditions - The Weather Channel | Weather.com". The Weather Channel. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  8. Data, US Climate. "Climate North Little Rock - Arkansas and Weather averages North Little Rock". www.usclimatedata.com. Retrieved August 19, 2017.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  10. 10.0 10.1 "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)". United States Census Bureau. 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  11. "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)". United States Census Bureau. 2023. Retrieved March 28, 2026.
  12. "Argenta Plaza". Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  13. "Lakewood Village". Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  14. "About Government". City of North Little Rock. Archived from the original on May 28, 2017. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
  15. "Mission Statement". Arkansas Municipal League. Archived from the original on January 9, 2015. Retrieved April 15, 2022.
  16. "National Register of Historic Places Registration form" (PDF). Arkansas Heritage. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  17. Hanley, Steven G. and Ray Hanley. Around Little Rock: A Postcard History. Arcadia Publishing, June 1, 1998. ISBN 0738568678, 9780738568676. p. 118.
  18. Hargett, Malea (March 28, 2013). "Despite 'year of grace,' St. Joseph School will close". Arkansas Catholic. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  19. Hargett, Malea (May 12, 2012). "State's last black Catholic school to close". Arkansas Catholic. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
  20. "About Us". Laman Library. Archived from the original on April 2, 2022. Retrieved April 11, 2022.
  21. Pasztor, Andy (April 21, 2012). "Drone Use Takes Off on the Home Front - WSJ.com". Online.wsj.com. Retrieved July 10, 2013.
  22. "About Fire Department". City of North Little Rock. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017. Retrieved June 17, 2017.
  23. "Benjamin Marcus Bogard (1868–1951)". encyclopediaofarkansas.net. Retrieved August 2, 2013.
  24. "Sister cities". North Little Rock. Intrado Corporation. Retrieved September 14, 2022.
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Template:North Little Rock, Arkansas Template:Pulaski County, Arkansas