Population Growth, New Construction Sales, and Development Activity Compared
Northwest Arkansas continues expanding across multiple growth corridors, but not every city is growing the same way.
Some cities are adding the most residents overall. Others are seeing explosive percentage growth. Meanwhile, several markets are quietly dominating new construction activity, revealing where builders and developers believe future demand is headed next.
Using the latest population estimates along with new construction sales and listing activity, let’s take a NWALook at which Northwest Arkansas cities are growing the fastest and where development momentum appears strongest heading into the future.
The Fastest-Growing City by Percentage
Highfill currently ranks as the fastest-growing city in Northwest Arkansas by percentage population growth.
Highfill
- 2020 Population: 1,672
- 2025 Population: 3,676
- Population Growth Since 2020: +119.9%
- YoY Population Growth: +30.63%
Highfill has more than doubled in population over the past five years. While smaller cities can produce larger percentage swings due to lower population bases, the acceleration occurring around the airport corridor continues standing out regionally.
The Largest Growth by Number of Residents Added
When looking at sheer population gains, Fayetteville remains Northwest Arkansas’ largest growth engine.
Fayetteville
- 2020 Population: 94,779
- 2025 Population: 106,623
- Added +11,844 residents since 2020
- Added +2,908 residents YoY from 2024–2025
That reinforces how strong Fayetteville’s employment base, university influence, entertainment, infrastructure, and housing demand continue remaining throughout NWA.
The Market That May Be the Most Balanced Growth Story
While Highfill leads percentage growth and Fayetteville leads total residents added, Centerton may be one of the most important overall growth stories in Northwest Arkansas.
Centerton
Population Growth
- 2020 Population: 18,248
- 2025 Population: 27,176
- +8,928 residents since 2020
- +48.9% growth over five years
- +1,466 residents added YoY
- +5.7% YoY growth rate
New Construction Activity
- 2,174 new construction sales over the past five years
- 2,443 new construction listings over the past five years
- 199 YoY new construction sales
- 403 YoY new construction listings
Unlike smaller communities experiencing rapid percentage spikes from low population bases, Centerton is scaling at a much larger level while still maintaining aggressive growth rates. That combination often signals sustained long-term housing demand rather than temporary growth bursts.
Top 10 Population Growth Rankings
Top 10 YOY Population Growth
Top 10 Percentage Population Growth (2020–2025)
Top 10 YoY Percentage of Population Growth
9 Clevedon Circle, Bella Vista, AR 72715
A newly built and thoughtfully upgraded home in one of the country’s most sought after outdoor destinations. Also selling 3 residential lots with approvals in place and ready for building permit.
Where Builders Have Been Selling the Most Homes
New construction sales provide one of the clearest indicators of where housing demand has already been occurring.
Top New Construction Sales (Past 5 Years)
2025 New Construction Sales Leaders
Where Builders Are Listing the Most Inventory
New listings often reveal where builders believe future demand still exists.
Top New Construction Listings (Past 5 Years)
- Bentonville → 3,956 listings
- Fayetteville → 3,380
- Bella Vista → 2,649
- Centerton → 2,443
- Pea Ridge → 1,881
- Springdale → 1,759
- Rogers → 1,307
- Farmington → 1,194
- Siloam Springs → 1,174
- Lowell → 1,006
2025 New Construction Listing Leaders
- Bentonville → 1,079 listings
- Bella Vista → 666
- Fayetteville → 535
- Springdale → 496
- Pea Ridge → 467
- Centerton → 403
- Siloam Springs → 265
- Rogers → 251
- Lowell → 241
- Farmington → 239
The biggest takeaway may be that Northwest Arkansas growth is no longer isolated to just one or two core cities.Population growth, new construction sales, and development activity are spreading across multiple expansion corridors simultaneously.
Cities like Centerton, Pea Ridge, Farmington, and Siloam Springs continue showing how buyers are increasingly willing to move farther from city centers:
- newer housing inventory
- affordability relative to primary markets
- larger lots
- suburban growth patterns
- future upside potential
At the same time, core markets like Bentonville and Fayetteville continue dominating both population gains and construction activity.
That combination helps explain why long-term housing supply conversations remain one of the most important topics shaping the future of Northwest Arkansas real estate.
By Desiree Stock, Executive Broker,
Collier & Associates (479) 409-4241
Data Collected From: Census.gov and NABOR
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Featured Listing of the Week
🏡 4125 Caerleon Circle, Bentonville, AR 72713
💰 $2,700,000 🛏 4 Bedrooms 🛁 4 Full / 2 Half Bathrooms 📐 6,932 Sq Ft 🌳 1.10 Acres 🏗 Built in 2013
Located in the prestigious gated community of St. Valery Downs, this exceptional custom estate offers privacy, security, and unbeatable convenience—centrally positioned in the heart of Northwest Arkansas. This two-story residence blends luxury and functionality with high-end upgrades and built-ins throughout. Featuring new roof and windows (2025) and situated on 1.1 acres, the home includes a FEMA-compliant tornado safe room on the main level. Enjoy an expansive open-concept living, kitchen, and breakfast area anchored by a statement fireplace, plus a dedicated gym, private office, and two laundry rooms. The gourmet kitchen boasts a built-in range, double ovens, steam oven, microwave, ice maker, refrigerator, and espresso machine. Enjoy resort-style outdoor living with a heated saltwater pool, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, and multiple patios to complete this Bentonville oasis.
🤝 Listed by: Lindsey Tucker
📞 (479) 301-7611
🏢 Collier & Associates
📞 Office: (479) 274-0662
Listing information subject to change without notice. Confirm all details with the listing agent/firm.
Luxury Sales of the Week
🏡 11412 Ridgewood Ln, Bentonville, AR 72712
💰 Sales Price: $2,058,000
📅 Sold Date: 05/21/2026
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agent: Mimi DeVol, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette-Bentonville (Direct: 479-340-4264 | Office: 479-273-3838)
Buyer’s Agent: Dee Rodes, Portfolio Sotheby’s International Realty (Direct: 479-936-6073 | Office: 479-273-6697)
🏡 18488 Lake Sequoyah Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
💰 Sales Price: $1,097,000
📅 Sold Date: 05/18/2026
🤝 Represented by:
Seller’s Agent: Melanie Gabel, Gabel Realty (Direct: 479-422-4221 | Office: 479-485-0695)
Buyer’s Agent: Jennifer Skoff, Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette - Fayetteville (Direct: 501-626-5198 | Office: 479-521-0220)
JIA Communities
A luxury community developer and home builder, is proud to announce the grand opening of its first model home in Park 5, the company’s flagship residential 53-lot exclusive development in Rogers on June 8th, 5-7pm at 5803 S 65th St, Rogers.
Desiree Stock
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By Desiree Stock | NWALook |Collier & Associates, Executive Broker
Leadership Tip of the Week: Networking
Networking with individuals in the same career field is more than simply exchanging contact information. It’s about building genuine relationships that create long-term value for everyone involved. The strongest professional networks are built through consistency, trust, collaboration, and mutual respect over time.
One of the biggest misconceptions about networking is that it only matters when someone needs business, a job, or a favor. In reality, the most successful professionals invest in relationships long before they need anything in return. They stay connected, share knowledge, support others’ successes, and create opportunities through collaboration rather than competition.
In industries like real estate and business leadership, networking can provide insight into market trends, strategies, vendor relationships, referrals, problem-solving approaches, and even emotional support during challenging seasons. Surrounding yourself with people who are driven, knowledgeable, and growth-minded often raises your own level of performance and perspective.
Strong networking also requires authenticity. People can usually tell the difference between transactional interactions and genuine connection. Listening, showing up consistently, offering value, and treating others with respect tend to build far stronger relationships than simply trying to “sell” yourself.
At the end of the day, careers are often built not only on skill and knowledge, but also on relationships, reputation, and the ability to work well with others. The connections you nurture today may become future clients, business partners, mentors, referral sources, or lifelong friends.
-Desiree Stock
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📊 Data Sources & Market Insights
The information provided in this article is based on residential data from Benton and Washington County and is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Market conditions can vary significantly by price point, location, property type, condition, and individual circumstances, and no single metric, especially price, should be used in isolation to make real estate decisions. While efforts have been made to present accurate and up-to-date data, all information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. This content should not be considered financial, investment, or legal advice, and readers are encouraged to consult with a licensed real estate professional, lender, or advisor to evaluate their specific situation.
It is also important to note that interpretations of market data can vary. While some may view longer days on market or increased inventory as a sign that pricing should be reduced, others, including the perspective reflected in this article, recognize that buyer behavior, presentation, and overall positioning often play an equally significant role. Real estate is both data-driven and situational, and outcomes are influenced by multiple factors beyond price alone.
This newsletter is provided strictly for informational purposes and is not intended to solicit or interfere with clients who are already represented by another real estate professional. We are happy to work with individuals who are not currently represented; our intent is to keep the public informed about market activity and community updates. The information contained herein is based on sources and information deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or applicable to every situation. NWALook and any associated parties assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this newsletter or any actions taken based on the information provided. By reading this newsletter, you agree to hold NWALook and any affiliates harmless from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising from or related to your use of the information provided.*
