Population Data

In this report (0005) we will go through the population trends for the last 120 years in Lincoln, Prairie Grove, Farmington, and Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

In this report, we will look back 60 years to 1960, excluding Fayetteville for now. Up until 2000, it is evident that Prairie Grove and Lincoln both had larger populations than Farmington. Farmington, incorporated in 1946, is by far the youngest of the three towns. Its slower growth can be attributed to four major factors: transportation, agriculture, historical events, and its proximity to Fayetteville.

• Transportation and Agriculture: Lincoln had the advantage of early railroad infrastructure and fertile soil ideal for orchards, particularly apple farming, which made it an attractive settlement for early residents. Prairie Grove also thrived agriculturally, with fertile soil suitable for wheat and other grains. Its strategic location made it easily accessible to farmers transporting goods to market.
  
  

• Historical Events: Prairie Grove's history was significantly shaped by the Civil War. The Battle of Prairie Grove fought in 1862, brought attention to the area. The site later became a state park, drawing settlers and tourists.
  
  

• Proximity to Fayetteville: Fayetteville's rapid growth diminished the immediate need for Farmington to develop independently. Residents in Farmington could rely on Fayetteville for commerce and services, delaying Farmington's development compared to its neighbors.
  
  

Additionally, in more modern times, Prairie Grove and Lincoln established school systems earlier than Farmington, which likely contributed to their sustained early growth.

However, Farmington's proximity to Fayetteville has significantly affected its recent rapid development. From the 2020 census, Prairie Grove and Farmington both experienced substantial population increases of 61% and 27%, respectively, while Lincoln saw only a 2% growth. This disparity is likely due to the expansion of housing developments. Both Prairie Grove and Farmington have seen new residential construction driven by their location near Fayetteville. Lincoln, being farther from Fayetteville, has not experienced the same level of development.

In the next report (0005-1), we go all the way back to 1890, and we see Prairie Grove is the oldest of the three, being founded in 1888. This can mostly be attributed to the Battle of Prairie Grove, which occurred in 1862 in Prairie Grove. These battlegrounds were preserved and later turned into a State Park, attracting tourists and settlers. Lincoln was founded in 1907; and had early railroad access.

When we factor Fayetteville into the mix, the other three bars look much smaller. Fayetteville's early and rapid growth can be attributed to several key factors: the University of Arkansas, railroad infrastructure, its role as the government center, and its regional influence.

• University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas, founded in 1871, was one of the earliest educational institutions in the area, attracting students, faculty, and staff from across the county and region. This institution played a major role in driving growth by contributing to the town's population and economy.                                                                                                          

• Railroad Infrastructure: Fayetteville had access to railroad infrastructure earlier than Lincoln, which provided a vital connection to regional trade routes. This made it a central hub for agriculture, retail, and manufacturing, creating further growth in the town.

• Government: As the county seat for Washington County, Fayetteville attracted politicians, businesses, banks, and other services, which established it as the region's economic and administrative center. In comparison, nearby towns like Prairie Grove and Lincoln were more focused on rural agriculture and lacked the same government-driven development.

• Influence: All these factors combined to give Fayetteville significant influence, drawing talent, resources, and investments from beyond the immediate area. This made it a more attractive destination for people looking for education, employment, and business opportunities.

• Age Gap and Future Growth: In addition to these factors, Fayetteville's early founding in 1828 gave it a significant age advantage over its neighbors. At 60 years older than Prairie Grove and 118 years older than Farmington, Fayetteville had a head start in building its infrastructure and community. As neighboring towns rapidly grow, Fayetteville will likely face pressure to expand vertically as its population increases and suburban areas begin to close in on its borders.