| Statistic | Little Rock | Arkansas | National |
| Population | 198,067 | 3,017,825 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,650 | 58 | 91 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 37.7 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 47% | 58% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 43% | 42% | 43% |
| Speak English | 89% | 93% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 7% | 5% | 13% |
The demographics of Little Rock offer invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of both urban and rural areas, empowering planners, developers and policymakers to foster prosperity, equity, and well-being for all residents. With a population of 198,067, Little Rock exhibits a population density of 1,650 people per square mile, contrasting with the national average of 91. The median age stands at 36.5, with 47% of individuals aged 15 or older being married and 43% having children under 18. In terms of income equality in Little Rock, 25% of households report a median income below $25,000, while 18% report an income exceeding $150,000, showcasing a diverse economic landscape.
The Little Rock racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown serves as a critical tool for understanding and addressing systemic inequities, promoting social justice and inclusion and building stronger, more resilient communities. The racial breakdown in Little Rock is 49.9% White, 40.9% Black or African American, 3.1% Asian, 0.3% American Indian and 0.1% Native Hawaiian - 7.5% of the population identify as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 89% reported speaking English only, while 6.7% reported speaking Spanish only. A total of 7.3% of residents were considered foreign born.
Communities such as Little Rock, with population densities higher than the average, play a significant role in promoting environmental sustainability by decreasing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Their compact urban development encourages the adoption of energy-efficient buildings, walking, cycling, and public transportation, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, densely populated areas tend to cultivate vibrant social and cultural scenes, fueled by a diverse population that contributes to a myriad of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity sparks creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. Little Rock has a population density of 1,650, surpassing the national average of 91 people per square mile, as it stands poised to reap the benefits of dense urban living.
Understanding Populations: Analyzing and interpreting the Little Rock demographic data provides us with valuable insights into the characteristics and composition of populations, encompassing age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and other socio-economic variables. This understanding is crucial for addressing the diverse needs, preferences and challenges encountered by various demographic groups within communities. Demographics play a crucial role in understanding populations, informing decision-making processes, and advancing equity, inclusion, and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Little Rock population and demographic data serves as a foundation for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also nurturing the well-being and resilience of societies.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Little Rock demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in Little Rock can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Urban Development: Urban planners could use Little Rock demographic data to design and create areas that accommodate the needs of residents, including housing, transportation and public services, while promoting sustainability and quality of life. Demographic shifts can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood change in urban or rural areas. As neighborhoods attract new residents with different income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may rise, leading to displacement of long-time residents and changes in the character and identity of the neighborhood. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels helps inform decisions related to zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Lastly, using Little Rock demographics for planning and development of affordable housing can help prevent displacement.
| Race | Little Rock | Arkansas | National |
| White | 49.92% | 77.72% | 73.35% |
| Black | 40.89% | 15.52% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 3.11% | 1.40% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.33% | 0.63% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.11% | 0.23% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 2.84% | 2.23% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 2.81% | 2.28% | 4.75% |
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