Conway, Arkansas – Conway has once again been recognized as the fastest-growing city in Arkansas among those with populations over 50,000. This marks the second consecutive year it has achieved this status, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Conway’s population increased by 2.9% in 2023, rising from 67,616 to 69,580, placing it as the 38th fastest-growing city in the United States. Since 2000, the city’s population has surged by 61% from 43,167, solidifying its position as the second-largest city in the central Arkansas metro area.
Sustained Growth and Community Vision
Mayor Bart Castleberry attributes this growth to the city’s strategic vision and strong community spirit. “We have been blessed as a city. We have also done our best to honor the advantages we’ve been blessed with. Being recognized as the fastest-growing city for the second year in a row demonstrates our community’s ability not just for growth, but for sustained growth. That means something,” said Castleberry. “Conway’s sustained growth isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to our people, our community, and our shared vision for the future.”
Castleberry emphasizes the importance of working together to create a city that appeals to current and future residents. “Conway is competing and winning nationally. We’re competing for jobs, for businesses, for new residents, and for college students. We’re competing to build a city our kids and grandkids want to live in,” he added.
Economic Development and Investments
Conway has recently witnessed significant economic development, highlighted by Westrock Coffee’s nearly $400 million investment in two new facilities in the city. These facilities, covering more than one million square feet, will employ over 900 people. Additionally, two pharmaceutical companies, Turbare Manufacturing and FarmaKeio Custom Compounding, have opened new locations in Conway, collectively employing nearly 200 people. Central Cold Solutions has also announced plans to construct a $42 million, 130,000-square-foot facility in the Conway East Industrial Park.
Enhancing Quality of Life
The City of Conway is investing heavily in parks and trails, with over $60 million currently allocated to various projects. A $24.6 million federal grant awarded in 2022 will transform public transportation in the city by creating the Connect Conway Shared-Use Path. This path will link several major landmarks, including schools, major employers, retail areas, and neighborhoods.
In 2023, the city broke ground on the Conway Community Center, which will feature a competition pool, community fitness center, outdoor pool area with a lazy river, tot pool, water slides, eight volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts, a walking path, community lounge, and party rooms. The Conway Soccer Complex, set to be ready for competition in the fall, will include 10 fields, stadium lighting, a splash pad, a walking path, concessions, and public restrooms.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Conway’s commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and community amenities has not gone unnoticed. In February, the city was awarded the Silver Bike Friendly designation from the League of American Bicyclists, making it the most bike-friendly city in central Arkansas and one of the three most bike-friendly in the state.
Brad Lacy, President and CEO of the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, noted that Conway’s growth is the result of long-term investments in quality of life. “Whether it’s adopting a complete streets program or protecting our historic residential areas, Conway has made purposeful changes that have fundamentally changed the way the city looks, feels, and functions,” he said. “Cities that grow are attractive places to live and access to talent is the path to economic growth. Ranking among America’s top 40 fastest-growing cities is pretty good evidence that this quality of place concentration is working.”
Regional Growth
The U.S. Census Bureau data highlights Conway’s impressive growth compared to other U.S. cities. With a 2.9% growth rate, nearly twenty times greater than the median growth rate of cities with over 50,000 residents, Conway would have been the fastest-growing city in 37 other states. Additionally, Faulkner County, where Conway is located, grew by 1.9% in 2023, making it the third-fastest-growing county in Arkansas and the fourth most-populous county in the state with an estimated population of 129,951.
Conway’s continued growth and development underscore its appeal as a vibrant, thriving city with a strong sense of community and a clear vision for the future. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, public amenities, and economic development, Conway is poised to maintain its status as a leading city in Arkansas and a model for sustainable growth.