RANK #522 / 996 · POP 100,021 · AR
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.7%
Garland County, Arkansas, is perhaps best known as home to Hot Springs National Park, a distinctive landmark that was the first federally protected area in the United States, established in 1832. The city of Hot Springs, the county seat, is adjacent to the park, offering a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. Located within the Ouachita Mountains, the county features rolling forested hills and lakes, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking at spots like Lake Hamilton, Lake Ouachita, and Cedar Glades Park. Commutes within the county are generally short, with an average travel time of around 21.4 minutes.
Life in Garland County offers a mix of small-town atmosphere and access to outdoor recreation. The county's economy is supported by tourism, manufacturing, and regional medical facilities. Major investments in infrastructure and other sectors are contributing to growth, attracting businesses in diverse fields. The area's public schools are generally well-regarded, with several districts ranking highly within the state. Garland County also offers higher education options through National Park College.
Below national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Garland Forward Street Projects
City of Garland
|
$230M | Planned |
|
Garland Forward Economic Development Initiatives
City of Garland
|
$75M | Planned |
|
Amazon Last-Mile Facility
Amazon
|
$50M | Proposed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Garland County has a Boom Town Index score of 48/100, ranking #522 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.1% and a median household income of $54,229, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Garland County is $166,600 with median rent at $913/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3255, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.3% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.1%. Home values changed -0.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.59% of Garland County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.