Best Cities for Outdoor Enthusiasts in Arkansas
Arkansas ranks #49 of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, with a outdoor enthusiasts score of 23.3. Bentonville is its best city for outdoor enthusiasts at 69.2.
- Arkansas, all states
- #49 of 50
- Population
- 58,249
What Outdoor Enthusiasts Should Know About Arkansas
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts, which may surprise given its reputation. The outdoor access score of 15/100 indicates limited public outdoor infrastructure compared to western and northeastern states. 10.5% public land offers some options, though dedicated outdoor enthusiasts may find themselves driving to reach prime terrain.
Environmental quality matters when you spend significant time outdoors. Arkansas's environment score of 26/100 is a concern for outdoor athletes and those with respiratory sensitivity — air quality (AQI: 42) and environmental protections lag behind top-ranked states. Moderate natural disaster risk means seasonal awareness is important — check local conditions before heading out.
The practical side: affordable living (index: 86.9) means more budget for gear, trips, and experiences. Safety (49/100) is worth researching at the local level, and the overall health infrastructure (28/100) is adequate, though access to specialized sports medicine may be limited outside metros.
All 20 Cities Ranked for Outdoor Enthusiasts
| # City | Grade | Outdoor Enthusiasts score | Overall | Environment | Safety | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Bentonville | A+ | 69.2 | 68.2 | 65 | 90 | 58,249 |
| 2Bella Vista | A | 68.0 | 66.0 | 65 | 93 | 31,697 |
| 3Rogers | B+ | 64.2 | 61.5 | 65 | 82 | 72,981 |
| 4Fayetteville | B | 61.6 | 57.4 | 61 | 65 | 99,319 |
| 5Springdale | C+ | 57.1 | 54.2 | 61 | 64 | 88,160 |
| 6Benton | B | 56.2 | 56.8 | 45 | 65 | 36,595 |
| 7Cabot | C+ | 50.7 | 54.8 | 17 | 73 | 26,960 |
| 8Conway | C | 50.3 | 51.7 | 29 | 62 | 67,642 |
| 9Fort Smith | D | 50.3 | 47.7 | 61 | 32 | 89,805 |
| 10Sherwood | C+ | 49.9 | 54.3 | 29 | 54 | 33,070 |
| 11Russellville | C | 48.4 | 49.7 | 20 | 67 | 29,162 |
| 12Paragould | C | 47.1 | 49.9 | 16 | 70 | 30,215 |
| 13Jonesboro | D | 46.9 | 47.9 | 27 | 52 | 80,137 |
| 14Hot Springs | D | 46.7 | 46.5 | 32 | 51 | 37,920 |
| 15Little Rock | D | 40.6 | 45.3 | 29 | 15 | 203,436 |
| 16Jacksonville | F | 39.7 | 41.9 | 29 | 22 | 29,221 |
| 17Texarkana | F | 39.6 | 39.7 | 32 | 23 | 29,177 |
| 18North Little Rock | F | 39.3 | 42.4 | 29 | 17 | 64,538 |
| 19Pine Bluff | F | 36.8 | 34.7 | 44 | 17 | 39,743 |
| 20West Memphis | F | 36.0 | 35.3 | 38 | 18 | 23,929 |
City outdoor enthusiasts scores use each city's own data, with the category weights rescaled over the categories the city has; outdoor access has no city-level measure and is left out.
Compare: States with Similar Outdoor Enthusiasts Rankings
Also See: Arkansas for Other Lifestyles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas a good state for outdoor enthusiasts?
Arkansas ranks #49 out of 50 for outdoor enthusiasts with a persona-weighted score of 23.3/100. Its strongest relevant category is Affordability (90/100) and its weakest is Outdoor Access (15/100).
What is the best city for outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas?
Bentonville ranks #1 in Arkansas for outdoor enthusiasts with a score of 69.2/100, followed by Bella Vista and Rogers.
What factors are most important for outdoor enthusiasts in Arkansas?
Rankings weighted toward outdoor access (parks, public land, recreation), environmental quality, safety, health infrastructure, and affordable housing — for those who prioritize access to nature and an active lifestyle.