List of municipalities in Arkansas facts for kids
Arkansas is a state located in the southern part of the United States. It's home to over 3 million people, making it the 33rd most populated state. It's also quite large in land area, covering about 52,035 square miles (134,771 square kilometers). Arkansas is divided into 75 counties, and within these counties, there are 500 different cities and towns.
These cities and towns in Arkansas are sorted into three main groups based on how many people live there. The biggest cities are called "first class" cities, and they have more than 2,500 residents. "Second class" cities have between 500 and 2,499 people. The smallest places are called "incorporated towns," and they have 499 people or less. Sometimes, a city's group can change even if its population doesn't exactly match the usual numbers. Each group of cities and towns has different responsibilities and rules they need to follow.
The city with the most people in Arkansas is Little Rock, which is also the state capital, with over 202,591 residents. On the other hand, the smallest town by population is Victoria, with only 20 people. Little Rock is also the largest city by land area, covering about 120 square miles (311 square kilometers). The smallest by land area is Oakhaven, which is only about 0.046 square miles (0.119 square kilometers).
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How Arkansas Cities and Towns are Grouped
Cities and towns in Arkansas are put into three main groups based on their population. Arkansas doesn't use terms like "villages" or "civil townships" for its smaller areas.
First Class Cities
Cities in the "first class" group have more than 2,500 people. They elect two council members for each area (called a ward) they represent. If a city expense is over $20,000, these cities usually have to get bids (offers) from different companies. Only first class cities must hold elections if their mayor's position is empty for more than a year. They also have to elect a city attorney for a four-year term. First class cities must have a city clerk and might also have a treasurer, both elected for four-year terms. These cities must also create a planning commission with at least five members and can have their own police department led by the mayor. Mayors, city clerks, and treasurers in these cities can get retirement benefits if they meet certain rules.
Second Class Cities
Cities in the "second class" group have between 500 and 2,499 people. They also elect two council members per ward. A second class city must have a recorder and might have a treasurer, both elected for four-year terms. Unlike first class cities, these cities don't need a separate planning commission; their city council members can act as the planning commission. Second class cities can have a police department, a marshal, or a public safety department. Mayors, city clerks, and treasurers in these cities can also get retirement benefits if they meet certain rules.
Towns
Towns in Arkansas have 499 people or less. They elect five council members from the whole town, not from specific wards. Towns must have one person who serves as both the treasurer and the recorder. They can also have a police department, a marshal, or a public safety department. However, there are no specific retirement benefits set up for mayors and clerks or treasurers in towns.
Largest Cities in Arkansas
- Largest municipalities in Arkansas by population
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Little Rock is Arkansas's state capital and most populous city.
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Fayetteville is Arkansas's second most populous municipality.
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The third most populous municipality in Arkansas is Fort Smith.
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Springdale is Arkansas's fourth largest municipality by population.
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Jonesboro is the fifth most populous municipality in Arkansas.
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The sixth most populous municipality in Arkansas is Rogers.
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North Little Rock is part of the Little Rock metropolitan area and is the seventh largest municipality in Arkansas by population.
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Conway is Arkansas's eighth largest municipality by population.
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Arkansas' ninth largest municipality by population is Bentonville.
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Pine Bluff is the tenth largest municipality by population in Arkansas.
See also
In Spanish: Anexo:Localidades de Arkansas para niños
