population growth next 15 years (Fayetteville, Springdale: 2015, high school, college)

[daterxies]

I just came across something that stated expected growth in next 15 years is 68% which will bring the area to over a million. Think there's truth to this? I understand the area has been growing but over a million people is the reason why we are moving away from where we live now.

Thoughts?

[DC at the Ridge]

I think it's a generous estimate. I think we grew more than that between 1990 and 2005, and the health of the area economy will continue to attract people, but after 2005 the growth declined significantly. In part because of the recession, but also, in part, because the tremendous growth put a strain on the infrastructure and resources of the area. We weathered the recession well, and growth is picking back up, but I don't think it's going to reach 68%. Maybe 50%. Over a 15-year period, that's doable. But I don't see how Fayetteville is going to continue to get by with one high school.

[DC at the Ridge]

Also, it's important to note that Northwest Arkansas encompasses a lot of space. The area can easily support a million people while still having lots of room. Just trying to get a camping space on Beaver Lake will become a bit more challenging.

[bjrush]

Springdale is expected to grow to 112,369 by 2020 and 154,304 by 2050

It was 87,209 at the 2010 census. It was 29,941 in 1990

[0jerome0]

Thats a high percentage rate

[bjrush]

DC, it is true NWA contains a lot of space, but generally development follows where utilities are easily available, flat land and near major arterial streets and schools

The NWA cities have some "filling out" to do in the next 25 years

[JWG223]

*hides under the bed*

[thegreenflute334]

Arvest Bank President Lisa Ray said Springdale was number one for job growth in the state and the 6th fastest growing city in the U.S.

Tyson Foods donates $1M to renovate downtown Springdale | Local News - KHBS Home

Jan 23, 2015

[kdb05f]

68% is a high percentage. Even so it still definitely would not put the population over a million. Unless you are talking about a larger area than just the metro.

[jim9251]

Well back in the 80's when Fayetteville was a sleepy college town, no one thought nwa would grow like it hastoday. I remember the city pretty much ended at the K-Mart on College Avenue and there was woods between all the towns. Progress, I suppose.