According to Countryaah, Arkansas is home to many unique cities that are worth exploring. Little Rock is the state capital and largest city, offering attractions such as the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum and the Historic Arkansas Riverfront Park. Hot Springs, located in the Ouachita Mountains, is known for its natural hot springs and outdoor activities like hiking in Hot Springs National Park. Fayetteville is a vibrant college town home to the University of Arkansas with plenty of cultural attractions including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Other popular cities in Arkansas include Fort Smith, Jonesboro, Conway, Springdale, Rogers and Bentonville. Each of these cities offers something special from outdoor activities like fishing or hunting to historical sites like The Ozark Folk Center or The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center.
Politics of Arkansas in 2013
In 2013, Arkansas was a politically divided state. Republican Governor Mike Beebe was in his second term and had a majority Democratic legislature. This split divided the state between the Democratic-controlled urban areas and the more rural, Republican-leaning areas.
The 2013 legislative session saw a number of issues debated including education reform, taxes, and gun rights. Republicans sought to reduce taxes on businesses while Democrats wanted to increase funding for public education. The debate over gun rights also became heated with Republicans pushing for fewer restrictions on gun ownership while Democrats argued for more restrictions.
The debate over Medicaid expansion also caused tension in the state legislature. Governor Beebe wanted to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act but faced opposition from some Republican legislators who opposed the expansion of government programs. Despite this opposition, Beebe was able to pass a Medicaid expansion bill in 2013 that extended health care coverage to thousands of low-income Arkansans.
At the federal level, Arkansas’s congressional delegation split along party lines with two Democrats and four Republicans representing the state in Congress. Senator Mark Pryor served as one of Arkansas’s senators during this time and was up for re-election in 2014. He faced a strong challenge from Republican Tom Cotton who ultimately won the election and took office in 2015.
Overall, 2013 was an interesting year politically for Arkansas with debates over taxes, gun rights, and Medicaid expansion dominating much of the political discourse throughout the year. With a divided government at both state and federal levels, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed going forward into 2014 and beyond.
Population of Arkansas in 2013
In 2013, the population of Arkansas was estimated to be approximately 2.9 million people. The majority of the population resided in the central part of the state with the Little Rock metropolitan area being home to nearly one-third of all Arkansans.
The population was spread fairly evenly between urban and rural areas with 49.3% living in cities and towns and 50.7% living in rural areas. The largest cities in Arkansas were Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Springdale, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Conway, Rogers, Pine Bluff and Hot Springs Village. Check ehuacom for more information about the capital city of Arkansas.
Arkansas is a diverse state both racially and ethnically with a majority white population (77%), followed by African Americans (15%) and Hispanics (6%). Additionally, Arkansas had a higher percentage of Native Americans than most other states (1%).
In 2013, Arkansas’s median household income was $41,371 which was slightly lower than the national average of $51,371. In terms of poverty rates, however, Arkansas had one of the highest poverty rates in the nation with 20% of its residents living below the poverty line compared to 15% nationally. This high poverty rate affected many Arkansans especially children as nearly one-quarter of all children lived below the poverty line in 2013. Check anycountyprivateschools for business education in Arkansas.
Overall, Arkansas’s population in 2013 was diverse both racially and ethnically while having a higher than average poverty rate which impacted many Arkansans including children living below or near the poverty line.
Economy of Arkansas in 2013
In 2013, the economy of Arkansas was largely dependent on industry and agriculture. Manufacturing was the largest sector in the state with over 200,000 people employed in it. The largest manufacturing industries included food products, chemicals, machinery, and transportation equipment. Additionally, Arkansas’s agricultural sector was a major contributor to the state’s economy with poultry and soybeans being its two main crops.
The unemployment rate in Arkansas in 2013 was 7.4%, which was slightly higher than the national average of 7%. In terms of median household income, Arkansas had a median household income of $41,371 which was slightly lower than the national average of $51,371.
In terms of taxes, Arkansas had some of the lowest tax rates in the nation with no state income tax and low sales taxes compared to other states. Additionally, property taxes were relatively low as well with an average property tax rate of 0.63%.
In 2013, tourism also played an important role in Arkansas’s economy with visitors spending over $6 billion dollars in that year alone. Hot Springs National Park was one of the most popular tourist attractions while other popular sites included Blanchard Springs Caverns and Buffalo National River.
Overall, in 2013 Arkansas had a largely industry-based economy supported by manufacturing and agriculture while also relying on tourism for additional economic growth. The state also had some of the lowest tax rates in the nation which helped attract businesses to invest there while providing relief for its citizens from high taxation levels seen elsewhere.
Events Held in Arkansas in 2013
In 2013, Arkansas hosted a wide variety of events and festivals for locals and tourists alike. One of the biggest events of the year was the Arkansas State Fair which was held in Little Rock. This event featured carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, live music, and food vendors. Additionally, there were competitions such as livestock showings and a variety of other activities that made it one of the most popular events in the state.
The Arkansas Cornbread Festival was also held in 2013 in Little Rock. This event celebrated southern hospitality with music, food, and craft vendors from all over the state. Traditional cornbread dishes such as cornbread stuffing or fried cornbread were served while live bluegrass music filled the air with an upbeat atmosphere.
The Hot Springs Jazz Festival was another popular event held in Arkansas in 2013. This event featured jazz music from local artists as well as nationally recognized artists from all over the world. There were also workshops, jam sessions, and other activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the weekend-long celebration of jazz culture.
Other notable events that took place in Arkansas during 2013 included The World’s Shortest St Patrick’s Day Parade which was held on Bridge Street in Hot Springs; The Great Passion Play which is a reenactment of Jesus’ last days; The Ozark Folk Festival which celebrates Appalachian culture; The Arkansas Apple Festival which celebrates apple growing season; and The King Biscuit Blues Festival which is a celebration of blues culture with live performances by various musicians from around the world.
Overall, Arkansas hosted many exciting events during 2013 that provided entertainment for locals and tourists alike while celebrating various cultures from around the world through music, food, and art exhibitions.