Arkadelphia, Arkansas | |
|---|---|
 Downtown Arkadelphia | |
| Etymology:Greek for "Brother of Arkansas" | |
 Location of Arkadelphia in Clark County, Arkansas. | |
  Arkadelphia  Arkadelphia  Arkadelphia | |
| Coordinates:34°7′19″N93°3′58″W / 34.12194°N 93.06611°W /34.12194; -93.06611 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Arkansas |
| County | Clark |
| Township | Caddo |
| Government | |
| • Type | City manager |
| Area | |
• Total | 7.73 sq mi (20.03 km2) |
| • Land | 7.73 sq mi (20.02 km2) |
| • Water | 0.0077 sq mi (0.02 km2) |
| Elevation | 246 ft (75 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 10,380 |
• Estimate (2024) | 9,894 |
| • Density | 1,343/sq mi (518.6/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 71923, 71998–71999 |
| Area code | 870 |
| FIPS code | 05-01870 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0076188 |
| Website | cityofarkadelphia |
Arkadelphia is a city inClark County, Arkansas, United States. As of the2020 census, the population was 10,380.[2] The city is thecounty seat of Clark County.[3] It is situated at the foothills of theOuachita Mountains. Two universities,Henderson State University andOuachita Baptist University, are located here. Arkadelphia was incorporated in 1857.
The site was settled in about 1809 by John Hemphill, operator of a nearbysalt works, Arkansas's first industry. It was known asBlakelytown until 1839, when the settlement adopted the name Arkadelphia. The town was named "Arkadelphia," aportmanteau ofArk- from the state's nameArkansas andadelphia from theGreek meaning "brother/place".[4]
Arkadelphia is located in northeastern Clark County on the west bank of theOuachita River.
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.3 square miles (18.9 km2), of which 7.3 square miles (18.8 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km2), or 0.49%, is water.[5]
The climate is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to theKöppen climate classification system, Arkadelphia has ahumid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[6] Arkadelphia was once known as the "City of Rainbows", perhaps because the humid climate often resulted in rain.[7]
| Climate data for Arkadelphia, Arkansas (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1899–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 89 (32) | 87 (31) | 92 (33) | 95 (35) | 108 (42) | 112 (44) | 112 (44) | 113 (45) | 109 (43) | 102 (39) | 86 (30) | 82 (28) | 113 (45) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 54.7 (12.6) | 58.8 (14.9) | 67.5 (19.7) | 76.3 (24.6) | 82.8 (28.2) | 90.1 (32.3) | 93.6 (34.2) | 93.8 (34.3) | 87.7 (30.9) | 77.6 (25.3) | 65.2 (18.4) | 57.1 (13.9) | 75.4 (24.1) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 42.7 (5.9) | 46.3 (7.9) | 54.5 (12.5) | 63.2 (17.3) | 71.3 (21.8) | 79.1 (26.2) | 82.4 (28.0) | 81.8 (27.7) | 75.3 (24.1) | 64.0 (17.8) | 52.6 (11.4) | 45.4 (7.4) | 63.2 (17.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 30.7 (−0.7) | 33.8 (1.0) | 41.5 (5.3) | 50.0 (10.0) | 59.8 (15.4) | 68.0 (20.0) | 71.2 (21.8) | 69.8 (21.0) | 62.9 (17.2) | 50.5 (10.3) | 40.1 (4.5) | 33.7 (0.9) | 51.0 (10.6) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −2 (−19) | −6 (−21) | 9 (−13) | 23 (−5) | 34 (1) | 46 (8) | 52 (11) | 48 (9) | 33 (1) | 25 (−4) | 11 (−12) | 0 (−18) | −6 (−21) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 4.03 (102) | 4.20 (107) | 4.88 (124) | 5.33 (135) | 6.60 (168) | 3.89 (99) | 4.09 (104) | 3.32 (84) | 3.77 (96) | 4.92 (125) | 4.40 (112) | 5.41 (137) | 54.84 (1,393) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 0.4 (1.0) | 0.6 (1.5) | 0.3 (0.76) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 1.4 (3.6) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 7.3 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 6.7 | 7.3 | 5.8 | 5.9 | 5.1 | 4.7 | 6.1 | 6.5 | 6.7 | 76.2 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.7 |
| Source:NOAA[8][9] | |||||||||||||
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 248 | — | |
| 1860 | 905 | 264.9% | |
| 1870 | 948 | 4.8% | |
| 1880 | 1,506 | 58.9% | |
| 1890 | 2,455 | 63.0% | |
| 1900 | 2,739 | 11.6% | |
| 1910 | 2,745 | 0.2% | |
| 1920 | 3,311 | 20.6% | |
| 1930 | 3,380 | 2.1% | |
| 1940 | 5,078 | 50.2% | |
| 1950 | 6,819 | 34.3% | |
| 1960 | 8,069 | 18.3% | |
| 1970 | 9,841 | 22.0% | |
| 1980 | 10,005 | 1.7% | |
| 1990 | 10,014 | 0.1% | |
| 2000 | 10,912 | 9.0% | |
| 2010 | 10,714 | −1.8% | |
| 2020 | 10,380 | −3.1% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 9,894 | −4.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[10] | |||
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 5,994 | 57.75% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 3,255 | 31.36% |
| Native American | 36 | 0.35% |
| Asian | 137 | 1.32% |
| Pacific Islander | 13 | 0.13% |
| Other/Mixed | 475 | 4.58% |
| Hispanic orLatino | 470 | 4.53% |
As of the2020 United States census, there were 10,380 people, 3,751 households, and 1,966 families residing in the city.
As of the2010 United States census, there were 10,714 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 64.0% White, 30.0% Black, 0.4% Native American, 0.8% Asian, <0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from some other race and 1.4% from two or more races. 3.2% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
As of thecensus[12] of 2000, there were 10,912 people, 3,865 households, and 2,187 families living in the city. The population density was 1,486.2 inhabitants per square mile (573.8/km2). There were 4,216 housing units at an average density of 574.2 per square mile (221.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 68.98%White, 26.51%Black or African American, 0.53%Native American, 1.29%Asian, 0.05%Pacific Islander, 1.35% fromother races, and 1.28% from two or more races.Hispanic orLatino of any race were 2.59% of the population.
There were 3,865 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.6% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city, the age distribution of the population showed 18.1% under the age of 18, 32.9% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 14.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,651, and the median income for a family was $42,479. Males had a median income of $30,152 versus $19,459 for females. Theper capita income for the city was $13,268. About 19.8% of families and 23.2% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 25.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.9% of those 65 and older.
Major factors in Arkadelphia's economy areeducation andmanufacturing.Ouachita Baptist University,Henderson State University, andArkadelphia School District employ many people in the education sector. The manufacturing sector includesGeorgia Pacific andSiplast. The economy includes small-scale businesses, including fast-food restaurants.[citation needed]
Opened in 2011, the Arkadelphia Arts Center hosts exhibits, productions and educational workshops for many organizations in town, including the Caddo River Art Guild, the Poet and Writer's Guild, the Little Theatre, the two universities, and Arkadelphia School District.[13] Henderson State University holds plays and musical performances in Arkansas Hall located on campus. Ouachita Baptist University displays student art and sculpture in the Hammons Gallery. OBU performing arts take place in the OBU Jones Performing Arts Center on Ouachita Street.[citation needed]
The Clark County Historical Museum contains artifacts from prehistoric times through today in an attempt to document the history of the county. Based in theformer Amtrak station, a historic tour through Arkadelphia, including the historicJames E. M. Barkman House. TheCaptain Henderson House is a historicbed and breakfast owned and operated by Henderson State University and originally inhabited by the university's namesake.[14]
Downtown Arkadelphia includes theArkadelphia Commercial Historic District, theArkadelphia Confederate Monument,Clark County Courthouse, and theClark County Library, all listed on theNational Register of Historic Places.[14]
Other family attractions include the Diamond Lakes Regional Visitors Center on Highway 7 near I-30,[15] and theReynolds Science CenterPlanetarium, open to the public during the academic year, is located on the Henderson State University campus.[16]
Arkadelphia Parks and Recreation Department operates facilities and manages activities for the community.[17] Within Feaster Park, the department operatesArkadelphia Aquatic Park, which features water slides, swimming, and diving areas. The park includes a recreation center that has an indoor basketball/volleyball court, a weight lifting area and an elevated walking track. In 2013, the department completed construction of DeSoto Bluff Trail, which overlooks the Ouachita River.[18]
DeGray Lake Resort State Park surrounds 13,800-acre (21.6 sq mi; 56 km2)DeGray Lake, which is located 8 mi (13 km) northwest of Arkadelphia, onArkansas Scenic Byway 7. The state park has facilities for camping, fishing, water sports, golf, hiking, and biking. The Iron Mountain Bike Trail is a winding path inside the park that runs for approximately 26 miles (42 km).[19]
TheCaddo andOuachita rivers merge just outside the northern city limits.Canoe andtube rentals are available in nearbyCaddo Valley, Arkansas.[citation needed]
TheOuachita National Forest andHot Springs National Park are located on the scenic byway, approximately 30 miles (48 km) north of Arkadelphia. To the west of Hot Springs isLake Ouachita, which has more than 690 miles (1,110 km) of shoreline and more than 40,000 acres (63 sq mi; 160 km2) of water. The lake is surrounded by Ouachita National Forest. The tourist destination ofHot Springs is located adjacent to the national park.Bathhouse Row,Oaklawn Park Race Track and Casino andMagic Springs are some attractions located there.[citation needed]
Arkadelphia operates under the city manager form of government. There is a seven-member city council known as the board of directors that appoint the city manager. Five members of the board are elected via ward. Two members are elected at large, one of which is themayor position.
Arkadelphia School District operates four public schools:
For the 2011–2012 school year, there were approximately 2,125 students enrolled. In September 2015, voters in the Arkadelphia School District passed a millage increase earmarked for new elementary and middle schools.[20][21] Nikki Thomas is District Superintendent.[22]
Major medical services in Arkadelphia are provided by:
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Interstate 30
U.S. Highway 67
Arkansas Highway 7
Arkansas Highway 8
Arkansas Highway 51
Arkansas Highway 874Arkadelphia is intersected byInterstate 30, a primary east-west Interstate highway running northeast 68 miles (109 km) toLittle Rock, 77 miles (124 km) southwest toTexarkana, and 254 miles (409 km) southwest toDallas.US Route 67 runs parallel to I-30 and connects Arkadelphia toMalvern 25 miles (40 km) to the northeast andGurdon 15 miles (24 km) to the southwest.Highway 8 and Arkansas Highway 51 serve as primary east-west arterials for Arkadelphia.[31]Arkansas Highway 7 provides a primary north-south route and has been designated as anArkansas Scenic Byway.[32]Arkansas Highway 874 is a system of state highways that serve Henderson State University.
Passenger rail service is provided byAmtrak'sTexas Eagle, which stops atArkadelphia station. Trains run daily betweenChicago andSan Antonio. Connecting service between San Antonio andLos Angeles is available three times a week via theSunset Limited.[33]
Freight service in Arkadelphia is provided byArkansas Midland Railroad and theUnion Pacific Railroad.
Dexter B. Florence Memorial Field (KADF) in southeastern Arkadelphia can serve small business jets as well as single and double-engine aircraft.[34] Henderson State University offers a four-year bachelor of science degree inaviation and is responsible for the airport's fixed-base operation.[35]
Within the city, bus service is provided by South Central Arkansas Transit. (SCAT)[36]
Water and sewer utilities are provided by Arkadelphia's municipal water & wastewater system.[37] The city's electric system is maintained bySouth Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc.,[38] and natural gas is provided byCenterPoint Energy.[39]
Municipalities and communities ofClark County, Arkansas,United States | ||
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| Cities |  | |
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| Other unincorporated communities | ||
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