Economy in Texarkana
Detailed economy data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.
Economy in Texarkana, Arkansas
Texarkana's economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and transportation. Major employers in the region include the Red River Army Depot, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System, Graphic Packaging International, Domtar, Southern Refrigerated Transport, and Wal-Mart Department Stores. These sectors provide a range of employment opportunities, anchoring the local job market.
However, the city has experienced a slight decline in its employed population, with a 1.54% decrease in 2024. Despite this, its strategic location as a regional trade hub in the Ark-La-Tex region, with access to major markets, helps support its business environment. The average commute time of just 13 minutes is a significant advantage for residents, offering a better work-life balance.
Economy & Jobs
Top Industries
About Texarkana, Arkansas
Texarkana, Arkansas, a city with a unique dual-state identity, is situated on the southwest border of Arkansas, adjacent to Texarkana, Texas. Founded in 1873 at a crucial railroad intersection, the city has grown into a regional hub known for its blend of Southern hospitality and strategic location. People are often drawn to Texarkana for its relatively affordable cost of living and a community-oriented environment. The city serves as the county seat of Miller County and is a principal city within the Texarkana metropolitan area.
Its character is shaped by its history as a railroad town and its position as a crossroads between Arkansas and Texas. This unique geography influences everything from its economy to its culture. Despite a projected slight population decline, Texarkana offers a small-city charm with access to amenities and a slower pace of life compared to larger metropolitan areas.
About Arkansas
Arkansas, known as "The Natural State," offers diverse geography from the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains to the Mississippi River Delta, fostering a relaxed, nature-oriented lifestyle. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture with rice and poultry as leading products, has diversified to include significant contributions from manufacturing (food products, chemicals, wood and paper products, aerospace parts) and a growing service sector, largely influenced by Walmart's presence. Living in Arkansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living consistently below the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers, and while property taxes are low, sales taxes can be high.
