Some famous people are connected with Arkansas' state capitol of Little Rock. This city full of economic diversity may interest those interested in relocating to Little Rock.
The most populous city in Arkansas, Little Rock also serves as the seat of Pulaski County. The U.S. Census Bureau in 2000 reported 183,133 people residing in the city. 2005 census estimates showed a very small population increase with just 0.8% more people. Combined with North Little Rock in a six-county metropolitan area, over 643,000 inhabitants are found by census estimates. Located on the south bank of the Arkansas River, some famous people were born in the city. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur leads the list along with former pro baseball star Brooks Robinson and Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of ex-president/ex-Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton and Senator Hillary Rodham-Clinton.
The FBI records a high number of violent crimes in Little Rock each year. With a violent crime rate of 15.4 per 1,000 people, 44 homicides occurred in 2003. The average crime index for the U.S. is 325.2. Little Rock has far surpassed that total in statistics dating back to 1999 when it was 686. The city's crime index peaked in 2003 at 904.3. The racial makeup of Little Rock in 2000 was 54% White Non-Hispanic and 40.4% African-American. The African American population is significantly above the state average. For someone relocating to Little Rock for work, the per capita income of $23,209 has compared favorably with the $21,587 U.S. annual average. The average household income was $37,572, with an annual family income of $47,446. Overall, the percent of unemployed was 6.0% of the working class. 15% of Little Rock's population was living in poverty in 2005, slightly higher than the U.S. average. The 4.9% of White Non-Hispanic race below poverty level sharply contrasted with 27.6% of Black people categorized as poor.
Moody's Investor Services ranks Little Rock as the second most diverse economy in the nation. Large companies headquartered in Little Rock include Metropolitan National Bank and Nuvell Financial Services. Among the major employers are Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Entergy, Raytheon, The Sharper Image, Siemens and Timex. Healthcare is an essential part of Little Rock's economy with an economic impact of over $4 billion annually. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and its affiliates combine to employ over 9,400 people. Arkansas Children's Hospital and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System provide part of those jobs. Smarter than the average bear are Little Rock's residents 25 and older. Nearly 86% are high school graduates, 35.5% hold a bachelor's degree while 13.4% have graduate or professional diplomas. Over 16,200 full and part-time students reside in Little Rock. Two major college campuses are located in the city: the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS). UAMS has more than 660 resident physicians in the area and statewide.
For someone relocating to Little Rock, affordable housing can be found. Median house values were under the state average in 2000 when census figures showed an average of $89,300. Estimates in 2005 relocated the median over $30,000 higher, while new home construction saw 990 dwellings put up at average cost of $255,300 each. Ownership doesn't come with all the privileges. Optimists will view the city's high property taxes as a symbol of wealth and status. Homeowner costs for people with mortgages was $900 monthly. Median rent for the rest of the city in 2000 was $456. Historically, tornado activity in LIttle Rock is slightly above the state average and 187% greater than the rest of the country. Two category 4 tornadoes in 1997 came within eight miles of the city with wind speeds reaching 260 mph. Fifteen deaths were caused with over 200 people injured. The city averages high temperatures of 93 degrees in July. January temperatures dip just below freezing to a low of 31 on average. About 51 inches of precipitation falls on Little Rock annually.
Little Rock National Airport services over two million passengers annually with 150 daily flights. Amtrak and Greyhound Bus Lines also operate in the city. Travelers to Little Rock can visit Clinton's presidential library that includes a replica of the White House oval office. A museum to remember General MacArthur and Arkansas military history opened in 2001.
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