CONWAY, Ark. — Conway has been recognized as the fastest growing city in Arkansas, among those with over 50,000 residents, for the second consecutive year, according to data released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The City of Conway's growth ranked 38th in the country, with the city's population rising 2.9% in 2023 from 67,616 up to 69,580.
Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry said that the continued growth is a "testament" to the community and the city's future.
“We have been blessed as a city. We have also done our best to honor the advantages we’ve been blessed with. Being recognized as the fastest-growing city for the second year in a row demonstrates our community’s ability not just for growth, but for sustained growth. That means something.” said Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry. “Conway's sustained growth isn't just about numbers; it's a testament to our people, our community, and our shared vision for the future.”
Conway has also seen a recent string of announcements related to its local economy, with Westrock Coffee investing nearly $400 million in two new facilities in the city — this will lead to new jobs within the city.
Alongside that, the city also had two pharmaceutical companies open new locations within Conway, which will lead to another 200 job openings.
While the city has many exciting economic ventures in play, Conway Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brad Lacy said that this growth isn't anything new.
“The city has grown in every census since incorporating in 1875, but the recipe for growth has definitely changed,” said Conway Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brad Lacy.
Lacy continued, attributing Conway's growth to being a by-product of both the community and public and private-sector leadership which have invested in "quality of place for the last two decades."
“Whether it’s adopting a complete streets program or protecting our historic residential areas, Conway has made purposeful changes that have fundamentally changed the way the city looks, feels, and functions,” he said. “Cities that grow are attractive places to live and access to talent is the path to economic growth. Ranking among America’s top 40 fastest-growing cities is pretty good evidence that this quality of place concentration is working.”