Saturday, July 19, 2025
In 2024, counties like Ashley, Baxter, Benton, Calhoun, and Chicot are proving that powerful tourism growth doesn’t only belong to big cities. Nestled across different corners of Arkansas, these counties have quietly stepped into the spotlight, playing pivotal roles in the state’s rapidly expanding travel economy. Each offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, culture, and local hospitality—elements that today’s travelers crave more than ever.
Benton County has emerged as a tourism powerhouse, drawing national attention with over $1.2 billion in visitor spending. Home to world-class art, cycling trails, and culinary innovation, it’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about destinations in the South. Meanwhile, Baxter County, surrounded by scenic rivers and serene mountain landscapes, welcomed more than $218 million in visitor spending, solidifying its status as a haven for outdoor lovers and peaceful retreats.
Ashley, Chicot, and Calhoun—though smaller in size—are making big strides. With strong year-over-year growth and increasing employment in tourism services, these rural gems are attracting curious explorers and nature-seekers who want experiences off the beaten path. From charming lakeside escapes to heritage-rich downtowns, they offer a slower, more personal form of travel that resonates in today’s fast-paced world.
Together, these counties are not just contributing to Arkansas’s bottom line—they’re supercharging the broader U.S. travel industry by showcasing the economic potential of regional tourism. Their collective rise is a testament to how local communities can reshape national travel narratives through authenticity, accessibility, and bold destination strategies.
| County | Employment | Labor Income (Millions) | State Taxes (Millions) | Local Taxes (Millions) | Visitor Spending (Millions) | % Change YOY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | 381 | $11.6 | $4.1 | $1.7 | $64.1 | 2.2% |
| Ashley | 266 | $7.5 | $2.3 | $0.9 | $37.4 | 2.6% |
| Baxter | 1,544 | $48.0 | $13.7 | $4.7 | $218.7 | 4.1% |
| Benton | 9,181 | $268.1 | $85.0 | $37.8 | $1,218.4 | 5.4% |
| Boone | 738 | $19.3 | $5.5 | $1.9 | $86.5 | 4.0% |
| Bradley | 82 | $3.0 | $1.1 | $0.5 | $16.3 | 2.6% |
| Calhoun | 14 | $0.6 | $0.4 | $0.2 | $5.4 | 3.4% |
| Carroll | 3,352 | $85.0 | $23.1 | $7.2 | $348.2 | 3.7% |
| Chicot | 147 | $4.8 | $1.2 | $0.5 | $19.1 | 4.9% |
| Clark | 675 | $20.8 | $6.3 | $1.9 | $97.7 | 3.0% |
| Clay | 73 | $2.3 | $0.8 | $0.4 | $12.5 | 2.9% |
| Cleburne | 932 | $27.6 | $8.5 | $4.5 | $129.9 | 3.0% |
| Cleveland | 19 | $0.6 | $0.2 | $0.1 | $3.7 | 2.6% |
| Columbia | 412 | $11.3 | $3.4 | $1.3 | $52.9 | 5.3% |
| Conway | 296 | $8.1 | $2.8 | $1.2 | $42.4 | 3.0% |
| Craighead | 2,448 | $69.5 | $20.9 | $6.1 | $324.9 | 3.6% |
| Crawford | 693 | $20.7 | $7.0 | $2.4 | $106.1 | 4.5% |
| Crittenden | 2,404 | $68.1 | $20.9 | $7.1 | $317.7 | 3.1% |
| Cross | 118 | $3.4 | $1.1 | $0.4 | $16.1 | 2.6% |
| Dallas | 114 | $3.6 | $1.3 | $0.6 | $19.7 | 2.6% |
| Desha | 211 | $5.4 | $1.6 | $0.6 | $24.3 | 3.2% |
| Drew | 395 | $11.3 | $3.1 | $1.1 | $48.3 | 3.2% |
| Faulkner | 1,842 | $54.5 | $15.9 | $4.9 | $247.2 | 3.4% |
| Franklin | 244 | $7.6 | $2.3 | $0.9 | $35.8 | 3.0% |
| Fulton | 186 | $5.3 | $1.7 | $0.7 | $26.0 | 3.5% |
| Garland | 7,177 | $195.7 | $56.6 | $23.7 | $936.5 | 3.7% |
| Grant | 64 | $1.7 | $0.8 | $0.3 | $10.2 | 3.9% |
| Greene | 354 | $10.5 | $3.0 | $1.3 | $45.7 | 3.3% |
| Hempstead | 465 | $13.9 | $3.8 | $1.8 | $58.6 | 3.2% |
| Hot Spring | 282 | $8.6 | $3.1 | $1.3 | $47.2 | 4.0% |
| Howard | 82 | $2.3 | $0.8 | $0.4 | $16.1 | 3.7% |
| Independence | 669 | $18.3 | $5.1 | $1.8 | $81.6 | 2.6% |
| Izard | 113 | $3.4 | $1.1 | $0.6 | $20.1 | 3.1% |
| Jackson | 159 | $4.6 | $1.7 | $0.5 | $26.2 | 2.2% |
Tourism in Arkansas Hits New Heights as Counties Report Record Economic Impact
Arkansas is quickly becoming a rising star in the American travel scene. In 2024, counties across the Natural State reported powerful surges in tourism-driven income, employment, and tax revenue. Fueled by a combination of local charm, accessible nature, and growing travel confidence, these communities are not only attracting visitors—they’re building resilient economies around them.
According to the latest county-level data from 2024 Arkansas Tourism economic Impact Report, visitor spending topped over $1.2 billion in Benton County alone, with other counties like Baxter, Garland, and Carroll following closely behind. Rural counties also made surprising gains, proving that even small towns can play a big role in a booming travel economy.
The 2024 tourism impact report shows that travel is no longer confined to Arkansas’s largest cities. From mountain trails to Main Street festivals, visitors are exploring every corner of the state—and the economic benefits are undeniable.
Benton and Garland Counties Lead the Charge With Billion-Dollar Growth
Benton County, home to cities like Bentonville and Rogers, topped the state in visitor spending with a staggering $1.218 billion in 2024. That’s a 5.4% year-over-year increase, highlighting the region’s growing appeal among cultural tourists, outdoor enthusiasts, and business travelers.
Thanks to its renowned art scene, culinary innovation, and proximity to Ozark trails, Benton County has transformed into a vibrant travel hub. It also generated $268.1 million in labor income, supporting over 9,181 tourism-related jobs.
Garland County wasn’t far behind, bringing in $936.5 million in visitor spending and employing over 7,177 people. With Hot Springs National Park and a rejuvenated downtown, Garland continues to attract both first-time and returning visitors seeking relaxation, wellness, and outdoor recreation.
Mid-Sized Counties Make Big Strides in Tourism-Driven Growth
Beyond the billion-dollar markets, several mid-sized counties made strong contributions to Arkansas’s tourism economy.
Carroll County, home to the popular town of Eureka Springs, reported $348.2 million in visitor spending and supported 3,352 jobs—a solid 3.7% increase from 2023. Its blend of Victorian architecture, artistic culture, and mountain charm keeps it high on travelers’ lists year-round.
Craighead County, with cities like Jonesboro, recorded $324.9 million in spending and over 2,448 jobs, thanks in part to growing business travel and university-related visitation.
Meanwhile, Crittenden County, strategically located across the river from Memphis, generated $317.7 million in visitor spending, showing that border regions are capitalizing on regional tourism traffic.
Smaller Counties Prove Local Travel Is Booming
While major counties captured big headlines, smaller and rural regions quietly fueled a local tourism revolution. Even counties with fewer than 500 tourism-related jobs saw visitor spending rise in meaningful ways.
For instance, Baxter County reported $218.7 million in visitor spending with just over 1,500 employees, showing strong demand for its lakes, rivers, and scenic drives. Boone County brought in $86.5 million, supported by tourism to the Buffalo National River and Ozark Highlands Trail.
Counties like Calhoun and Dallas, though employing fewer than 150 people in the sector, still generated millions in spending—proving that every town matters in Arkansas’s tourism economy.
Labor Income and Tax Revenue Offer Deep Economic Benefits
The numbers go far beyond visitor spending. In total, tourism generated hundreds of millions in labor income across the state, giving families steady work and economic security.
Benton County alone delivered $85 million in state taxes and $37.8 million in local taxes. Garland added $56.6 million in state taxes, with many mid-sized counties like Faulkner, Craighead, and Carroll contributing between $15 million and $25 million each.
This public revenue helps fund infrastructure, parks, emergency services, and more—making tourism not just a business benefit but a community investment.
Why 2024 Became a Breakout Year for Arkansas Tourism
Several factors contributed to this year’s record-setting numbers. Domestic travel continued to outpace international trips, with Americans seeking affordable, family-friendly, and nature-based destinations. Arkansas fit that mold perfectly.
Expanded marketing by state and local tourism boards also helped spotlight under-the-radar locations. In 2024, campaigns emphasizing state parks, scenic routes, and historic downtowns encouraged longer stays and wider exploration across counties.
Hybrid work trends enabled travelers to blend leisure with remote work, extending trip durations in peaceful rural settings like Izard or Howard County.
And finally, local businesses—from boutique lodges and craft breweries to guided adventure tours—stepped up with unique experiences that fueled positive word-of-mouth and repeat visits.
Economic Resilience Through Tourism: A New Normal
The data proves that tourism is more than a seasonal boost—it’s now a year-round economic engine. Counties like Columbia, with a 5.3% visitor spending increase, and Chicot, with 4.9% growth, demonstrate how even remote areas can future-proof their economies through tourism investment.
Counties that balance development with environmental and cultural preservation will continue to thrive as travelers seek meaningful, low-impact experiences.
More importantly, the industry supports diverse job types—from service roles and hospitality management to marketing, logistics, and event planning. This makes tourism a cornerstone of workforce development, especially in regions where manufacturing or agriculture jobs may be in decline.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum in 2025
With these strong 2024 results, Arkansas is poised for continued growth. Strategic partnerships, digital marketing, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusive tourism planning will be key.
Counties should also prepare for evolving traveler expectations around sustainability, technology integration, and immersive storytelling. Investments in wayfinding, local business support, and community engagement will turn short-term visits into long-term value.
As travelers discover the unique charm of Arkansas—from the bluffs of the Ozarks to the delta blues of the southeast—the path ahead is clear: tourism is no longer an add-on—it’s a driver of economic resilience and local pride.
Tags: 2024 Arkansas visitor spending, Arkansas, Baxter County, Benton County, Boone County, Carroll County, Chicot County, Columbia County, county-level tourism impact, Craighead County, Crittenden County, Eureka Springs, Faulkner County, Garland County, hot springs, Ozarks, rural tourism growth, state tourism economy, U.S. domestic travel trends
