Little Rock

The City in Brief

Founded: 1820 (incorporated 1835)

Head Official: Mayor Jim Dailey (NP) (since 1995; current term expires in 2006)

City Population

1980: 158,915

1990: 175,727

2000: 183,133

2003 estimate: 184,053

Percent change, 1990–2000: 4.2%

U.S. rank in 1990: 96th (State rank: 1st)

U.S. rank in 2000: 128th (State rank: 1st)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 474,484

1990: 513,026

2000: 583,845

Percent change, 1990–2000: 13.8%

U.S. rank in 1990: 71st

U.S. rank in 2000: 73rd

Area: 116 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 300 feet to 630 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 62.1° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 45.73 inches of rain; 5.2 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: services, wholesale and retail trade, government

Unemployment rate: 4.3% (November 2004)

Per Capita Income: $23,209 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 20,680

Major Colleges and Universities: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Arkansas Baptist College, Philander Smith College, Webster University

Daily Newspaper: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette