Jonesboro, Arkansas
Jonesboro, Arkansas | |
|---|---|
 Clockwise from top: Craighead County Courthouse, a house in the West Washington Avenue Historic District, downtown Jonesboro, and the Dean B. Ellis Library at Arkansas State University | |
 Flag  Seal | |
| Motto(s): People, Pride, Progress | |
Interactive map of Jonesboro, Arkansas | |
  Jonesboro Location within Arkansas | |
| Coordinates: 35°49′11″N 90°40′44″W / 35.8198°N 90.6790°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arkansas |
| County | Craighead |
| Founded | February 19, 1859 |
| Incorporated | February 15, 1883 |
| Named after | State Senator William A. Jones |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–Council |
| • Mayor | Harold Copenhaver (D) |
| • Chief administrative officer | Brian Richardson |
| • Chief operating officer | Tony Thomas |
| • Office Manager | Tracy McGaha |
| • Administrative Assistant | Tonya Hottel |
| Area | |
| 80.724 sq mi (209.074 km2) | |
| • Land | 80.172 sq mi (207.645 km2) |
| • Water | 0.552 sq mi (1.429 km2) 0.68% |
| Elevation | 276 ft (84 m) |
| Population | |
| 78,576 | |
| 83,296 | |
| • Rank | US: 441st AR: 5th |
| • Density | 980.09/sq mi (378.42/km2) |
| • Urban | 73,781 (US: 383rd) |
| • Metro | 139,440 (US: 304th) |
| • Combined | 186,851 (US: 147th) |
| Time zone | UTC–6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC–5 (CDT) |
| ZIP Codes | 72401, 72402, 72403, 72404, 72405 |
| Area code | 870 |
| FIPS code | 05-35710 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2404811[3] |
| Highways | AR 1, AR 18, US 49, US 63, US 78, I-555 |
| Website | jonesboroar.gov |
Jonesboro (/ˈdʒoʊnzbʌrə/) is a city in and it is one of two county seats of Craighead County, Arkansas, United States.[7] The population was 78,579 as of the 2020 census,[4] and was estimated at 83,296 in 2025,[5] making it the fifth-most-populous city in Arkansas. Located on Crowley's Ridge in the northeastern part of the state. Jonesboro is the home of Arkansas State University and is the cultural and economic center of Northeast Arkansas.
In 2025, the Jonesboro metropolitan area had a population of 139,440, and the greater Jonesboro–Paragould combined statistical area had a population of 186,851.
History
The Jonesboro area was first inhabited for thousands of years by indigenous peoples. At the time of the European encounter, historic tribes included the Osage, Caddo, and Quapaw.[8][9][10][11] The name for the state of Arkansas comes from the Quapaw language.[8] The French and Spanish traders and trappers had relations with those groups.
After the United States acquired this territory in the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, American settlers eventually made their way to an area near Jonesboro. They began exploring, hunting, trapping, and trading with local Indian tribes. The permanent settlement of Jonesboro was established shortly after 1859, when Craighead County was established.
In 1859, land was taken from nearby Greene, Mississippi, and Poinsett Counties and was used to form Craighead County. Jonesboro was designated as the original county seat. As the population increased to the west of the county, Lake City was named as the second seat.[12] Jonesboro had 150 residents in 1859. It was named after State Senator William A. Jones[13] in recognition of his support for the formation of Craighead County. Originally spelled Jonesborough, the city name was later shortened to its present-day spelling.
In 1881, a young woman was brutally murdered in an apparent robbery. Her father had left their farm for a short while and returned to find her in a pool of her own blood. Four black men were arrested in conjunction with the crime, and after their trial, the Jonesboro Lynching of 1881 took place at midnight on March 12. The Decatur Daily Republican reported that the four men, called Green Harris (sometimes referred to as Hawes), Giles Peck, John Woods (sometimes referred to as Jud Woods), and Burt Hoskins (sometimes referred to as Haskins)—had been arrested and tried before magistrates Jackson and Akers at New Haven Church, 8 miles north of Jonesboro. The hearing, which found that the men were guilty, was attended by several hundred people. According to this and several other reports, the accused made a complete confession. The magistrates bound them over to the grand jury, and they were ordered taken to the jail in Jonesboro. The hour being late, however, it was decided to hold them overnight in the church under a strong guard. The large crowd gradually dispersed, "muttering threats of vengeance." Around midnight, between 200 and 300 masked men surrounded the church, overpowered the guards, and broke in the doors and windows. They seized the accused, dragged them to a tree about 200 yards away, and hanged them. Once again, the crowd dispersed, "leaving the bodies of their victims dangling in the air and presenting a horrible spectacle in the moonlight." According to the Republican, "The crime and punishment form one of the blackest pages in the annals of the state.[14]
During the late 19th century, the city tried to develop its court system and downtown infrastructure. Shortly after the city was named county seat, the highest point in Jonesboro was identified and a courthouse was planned for construction. This was delayed for several years, for the locals did not want to ruin their deer hunting. The first courthouse was finally completed but was destroyed by a fire in 1869. A store across from this site was rented and used as a courthouse. It was destroyed in an 1876 fire. Another building was constructed on the same site, but it fell to a fire in 1878, a major one that destroyed most of downtown Jonesboro. Soon afterward, another courthouse was constructed; it was replaced by the present courthouse in 1934.
The St. Louis Southwestern Railway, known as the Cotton Belt Railroad was constructed through Jonesboro, with its tracks passing just north of the center of the city. During the first train's journey, it became stuck and supplies had to be carried into town.[8] It connected St. Louis to points in Arkansas and Texas. Other major railways began to construct tracks to and from Jonesboro, including the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway and Missouri Pacific Railroad. Some of the rail companies still own and use the tracks that run through Jonesboro.
The city set up the Jonesboro School District in 1899.[15] In 1900, St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center was established by the Olivetan Benedictine Sisters.[16] The Grand Leader Department Store, the first in the city, was opened in 1900. Woodland College and two schools within the Jonesboro School District were opened in 1904. Arkansas State College (now Arkansas State University) was established in 1909,[17] a year in which the first horseless carriages were driven in the city. A recording on a Sanborn Fire Insurance Map dates back to March 1897 of a Presbyterian church existing at the corner of Church St. and Monroe, and a Christian church located at the corner of Union and Huntington Ave. Other early churches of the city were started in the 1910s. First Baptist Church was founded in 1911, and First Methodist Church in 1916.
Wade Thomas was lynched on December 26, 1920, in downtown Jonesboro. A large white mob seized Thomas after he allegedly shot local Patrolman Elmer Ragland during a Christmas Day raid on a local dice game. He was paraded through the town and then hanged and his body riddled with bullets.[18][19]
On September 10, 1931, Governor Harvey Parnell authorized the Arkansas National Guard to be deployed in Jonesboro to quell the Church War, a clash between the followers of Joe Jeffers and Dow H. Heard, the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. Jeffers' supporters also attacked the mayor and police chief, resulting in front-page coverage of the incident in The New York Times.
On May 15–16, 1968, an F4 tornado struck Jonesboro, destroying 164 homes.[20] At least 34 people died and more than 350 people were injured as a result of the tornado, which struck the town without warning at 10:00 pm.
On May 27, 1973, shortly after midnight, an F4 tornado struck Jonesboro, killing three and injuring 289.[21] Damage was estimated at $60 million.[22]
On March 24, 1998, a school shooting occurred at Westside Middle School. Two young boys (aged 11 and 13 years) fired upon students at Westside Middle School while hidden in woodlands near the school. They killed four students and one teacher and injured 10 persons.[23]
In the 2007–2008 school year, the Jonesboro Public School District elementary schools were reclassified as magnet schools.[24]
2020 tornado
A "large, destructive" EF3 tornado struck Jonesboro on March 28, 2020, causing severe damage to The Mall at Turtle Creek and at least 20 minor injuries, and two severe injuries.[25]
Geography
Jonesboro is located atop Crowley's Ridge in northeastern Arkansas.[26]
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has an area of 80.724 square miles (209.07 km2), of which 80.172 square miles (207.64 km2) is land and 0.552 square miles (1.43 km2) (0.68%) is water.[2]
Climate
Jonesboro has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen climate classification Cfa).[27]
| Climate data for Jonesboro 2 NE, AR (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 82 (28) |
83 (28) |
95 (35) |
96 (36) |
101 (38) |
110 (43) |
116 (47) |
111 (44) |
110 (43) |
98 (37) |
88 (31) |
79 (26) |
116 (47) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 66.7 (19.3) |
71.1 (21.7) |
78.4 (25.8) |
84.7 (29.3) |
90.1 (32.3) |
95.6 (35.3) |
97.7 (36.5) |
97.8 (36.6) |
94.0 (34.4) |
87.5 (30.8) |
77.4 (25.2) |
68.4 (20.2) |
99.5 (37.5) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 45.6 (7.6) |
50.5 (10.3) |
60.0 (15.6) |
70.7 (21.5) |
79.2 (26.2) |
87.2 (30.7) |
89.7 (32.1) |
89.0 (31.7) |
83.0 (28.3) |
72.4 (22.4) |
58.8 (14.9) |
48.6 (9.2) |
69.6 (20.9) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 36.1 (2.3) |
40.4 (4.7) |
49.0 (9.4) |
59.2 (15.1) |
68.2 (20.1) |
76.6 (24.8) |
79.7 (26.5) |
78.5 (25.8) |
71.5 (21.9) |
60.3 (15.7) |
48.0 (8.9) |
39.3 (4.1) |
58.9 (14.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 26.7 (−2.9) |
30.2 (−1.0) |
38.0 (3.3) |
47.7 (8.7) |
57.2 (14.0) |
66.1 (18.9) |
69.6 (20.9) |
68.0 (20.0) |
60.0 (15.6) |
48.1 (8.9) |
37.2 (2.9) |
30.1 (−1.1) |
48.2 (9.0) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | 10.9 (−11.7) |
15.7 (−9.1) |
22.0 (−5.6) |
33.2 (0.7) |
44.1 (6.7) |
56.0 (13.3) |
61.8 (16.6) |
59.1 (15.1) |
46.9 (8.3) |
33.7 (0.9) |
23.1 (−4.9) |
16.1 (−8.8) |
8.4 (−13.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −18 (−28) |
−13 (−25) |
1 (−17) |
26 (−3) |
32 (0) |
41 (5) |
50 (10) |
45 (7) |
33 (1) |
21 (−6) |
9 (−13) |
−7 (−22) |
−18 (−28) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 3.90 (99) |
4.11 (104) |
5.23 (133) |
5.36 (136) |
5.73 (146) |
3.35 (85) |
3.61 (92) |
3.69 (94) |
3.50 (89) |
3.97 (101) |
4.89 (124) |
4.68 (119) |
52.02 (1,321) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 1.0 (2.5) |
1.2 (3.0) |
1.2 (3.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.4 (1.0) |
3.9 (9.9) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 9.1 | 8.6 | 10.2 | 9.4 | 10.1 | 7.3 | 7.8 | 7.2 | 6.6 | 8.3 | 9.2 | 9.6 | 103.4 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.2 |
| Source 1: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration[28] | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: National Centers for Environmental Information[29] | |||||||||||||
Demographics
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1870 | 155 | — | |
| 1890 | 2,065 | — | |
| 1900 | 4,508 | 118.3% | |
| 1910 | 7,123 | 58.0% | |
| 1920 | 9,384 | 31.7% | |
| 1930 | 10,326 | 10.0% | |
| 1940 | 11,729 | 13.6% | |
| 1950 | 16,310 | 39.1% | |
| 1960 | 21,418 | 31.3% | |
| 1970 | 27,050 | 26.3% | |
| 1980 | 31,530 | 16.6% | |
| 1990 | 46,534 | 47.6% | |
| 2000 | 55,515 | 19.3% | |
| 2010 | 67,263 | 21.2% | |
| 2020 | 78,576 | 16.8% | |
| 2025 (est.) | 83,296 | [5] | 6.0% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[30] 2020 Census[4] | |||
According to realtor website Zillow, the average price of a home as of July 31, 2026, in Jonesboro was $228,083.[31]
As of the 2024 American Community Survey, there were 33,732 estimated households in Jonesboro with an average of 2.34 persons per household. The city has a median household income of $51,672. Approximately 23.1% of the city's population lives at or below the poverty line. Jonesboro has an estimated 56.6% employment rate, with 35.6% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 90.5% holding a high school diploma.[32] There were 36,969 housing units at an average density of 461.12 per square mile (178.04/km2).
The median age in the city was 33.7 years.
| Race / ethnicity (NH = non-Hispanic) | Pop. 1980[33] | Pop. 1990[34] | Pop. 2000[35] | Pop. 2010[36] | Pop. 2020[37] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 28,516 (90.44%) | 42,076 (90.42%) | 46,764 (84.24%) | 49,062 (72.94%) | 49,502 (63.00%) |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 2,643 (8.38%) | 3,687 (7.92%) | 6,209 (11.18%) | 12,319 (18.31%) | 17,756 (22.60%) |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 99 (0.31%) | 145 (0.31%) | 168 (0.30%) | 190 (0.28%) | 186 (0.24%) |
| Asian alone (NH) | 148 (0.47%) | 376 (0.81%) | 448 (0.81%) | 1,011 (1.50%) | 1,627 (2.07%) |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | — | — | 13 (0.02%) | 23 (0.03%) | 49 (0.06%) |
| Other race alone (NH) | 0 (0.00%) | 4 (0.01%) | 57 (0.10%) | 64 (0.10%) | 228 (0.29%) |
| Mixed race or multiracial (NH) | — | — | 559 (1.01%) | 1,091 (1.62%) | 3,512 (4.47%) |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 124 (0.39%) | 247 (0.53%) | 1,297 (2.34%) | 3,503 (5.21%) | 5,716 (7.27%) |
| Total | 31,530 (100.00%) | 46,534 (100.00%) | 55,515 (100.00%) | 67,263 (100.00%) | 78,576 (100.00%) |
2020 census
As of the 2020 census, there were 78,576 people, 30,620 households, and 18,964 families residing in the city.[38] The population density was 980.02 inhabitants per square mile (378.39/km2). There were 33,271 housing units at an average density of 414.96 per square mile (160.22/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 64.55% White, 22.77% African American, 0.34% Native American, 2.08% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 3.78% from some other races and 6.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 7.27% of the population.[39]
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 67,263 people, 26,111 households, and 16,637 families residing in the city.[40] The population density was 842.17 inhabitants per square mile (325.16/km2). There were 28,321 housing units at an average density of 354.59 per square mile (136.91/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 74.71% White, 18.41% African American, 0.36% Native American, 1.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.96% from some other races and 2.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.21% of the population.
2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 55,515 people, 22,219 households, and 14,353 families residing in the city. The population density was 697.12 inhabitants per square mile (269.16/km2). There were 24,263 housing units at an average density of 304.68 per square mile (117.64/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 85.37% White, 11.27% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.05% from some other races and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.34% of the population.
There were 22,219 households out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.9% were married couples living together, 12.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.4% were non-families. 27.5% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.93.
In the city the population was spread out with 22.9% under the age of 18, 16.6% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $32,196, and the median income for a family was $42,082. Males had a median income of $31,668 versus $21,633 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,884. 17.4% of the population and 12.9% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 22.4% were under the age of 18 and 12.3% were 65 or older.
Government
Awards
Jonesboro has received multiple state and national recognitions for excellence in infrastructure, planning, recreation, and public-safety initiatives. In 2024, the city was given the Airport of the Year award by the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics for improvements at the Jonesboro Municipal Airport.[41] That same year, Mayor Harold Copenhaver was recognized as Mayor of the Year by the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police for his leadership in public safety and support of crime-reduction technology.[42]
In 2024, Jonesboro's Health Accelerator Plan earned the Plan of the Year (population 30,000+) award from the Arkansas Chapter of the American Planning Association.[43] The city also received the Trail of the Year (Natural Surface) award for Craighead Forest Park and the Tourism Program of the Year for the African American Cultural Center at the E. Boone Watson Community Center from the Arkansas Recreation and Parks Association.[44]
Other recognitions include the 2024 Trendsetter City of the Year – Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Arkansas Municipal League for programs such as Project SEARCH, Project CARE, and the Social Determinants of Health Study,[45] as well as prior Trendsetter honors for Infrastructure and Water (2023), Education and Workforce Development (2022), and Technology and Security (2022).[46]
Economy
The Mall at Turtle Creek, opened in 2006, was the largest mall in northeast Arkansas and was the only enclosed mall constructed in the country that year.[47] The mall closed in 2020 due to tornado damage; currently, the only stores in operation at Turtle Creek are Dillard's, JCPenney, and Target.[48]
Before the Mall at Turtle Creek opened, Indian Mall, named for the former mascot of Arkansas State University,[49] was the primary shopping destination in northeast Arkansas. The Indian Mall was demolished in 2012.[50]
In 2025, the former Turtle Creek mall site was sold for about US$4.85 million, and redevelopment plans are underway to transform parts of it into an open-air, mixed-use center.[51]”
Arts and culture
Points of interest
Craighead Forest Park is a city-owned park located on Crowley's Ridge, featuring a 60-acre fishing lake, camping facilities, hiking/biking trails, nature areas, picnic sites, and recreational fields.[52]
Crowley's Ridge Parkway runs through Jonesboro. It was designated one of Arkansas' Scenic Byways in 1997, and it was designated Arkansas' first National Scenic Byway in 1998.[53]
In 2004, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission opened the 160-acre Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center in south Jonesboro, adjacent to Craighead Forest Park. The center includes exhibits on the origins and history of the ridge, wildlife, educational models and displays, land and water features, hiking trails, an observation tower, and an auditorium.[54]
Located on the ASU campus, the Arkansas State University Museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums and features 21,000 square feet of historic, archaeological, and natural-history exhibits. The museum focuses on the history and cultural heritage of Northeast Arkansas and the Mississippi River Delta region.[55] The [museum interprets the history and culture of the Crowley's Ridge Region and the Lower Mississippi River Valley. Accredited by the American Association of Museums, it is one of only four accredited museums in the state. The museum is located in the west wing of the library and museum complex on the ASU campus, and admission is free.[56]
The Fowler Center, also located on the ASU campus, features a concert hall, drama stage, experimental theatre, teaching gallery, and grand lobby. It hosts the annual Fowler Center performance series, visiting musicians, and ASU Theatre Department productions.[57]
The Bradbury Art Museum presents exhibitions of contemporary art in a variety of media, showcasing regional, national, and international artists. It also features biannual student exhibitions from the ASU Department of Art. The museum is located within the Fowler Center and is free and open to the public.[58]
The Forum Theatre, located in historic downtown Jonesboro, is home to the Foundation of Arts, a regional nonprofit organization that offers community theatre, art, dance, drama, and music programs. The forum hosts several productions each year, with auditions open to the public.[59]
The Delta Symphony Orchestra, the only professional symphony orchestra in Northeast Arkansas, has served the region for more than four decades. It presents a variety of concerts and educational programs and is known for its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.[60]
The First National Bank Arena (formerly the Convocation Center) was completed in 1987 and can host events ranging from concerts and conventions to sporting events and trade shows. The arena seats up to 11,500 for concerts and 10,529 for basketball games and includes banquet space, meeting rooms, and a lecture hall.[61]
The Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library is a full-service facility located in downtown Jonesboro. It offers print and digital collections, a children's library, and community programs throughout the year.[62]
The Jonesboro Parks and Recreation Department manages more than 26 parks and four cemeteries covering over 900 acres. Facilities include athletic fields, water features, community centers, trails, and numerous recreational programs and events.[63]
Historic Downtown Jonesboro is home to galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and performance venues such as the Forum Theatre. The area serves as the center for arts and entertainment in the city.[64]
Visit Jonesboro serves as the city's tourism and visitor information hub, promoting events, attractions, dining, and lodging across the area.[65]
Education
Higher education
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Arkansas State University (ASU) is located in Jonesboro. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine maintains a second location on ASU's campus in Wilson Hall.[66]
The Northeast Arkansas Career and Tech Center is also located in Jonesboro.[67]
Elementary and secondary education
Six public school districts operate within the city limits of Jonesboro:[68]
- Jonesboro School District - Operates Jonesboro High School
- Valley View School District
- Nettleton School District - operates Nettleton High School
- Westside Consolidated School District
- Bay School District
- Brookland School District
Prior to school integration in the United States, a separate set of schools was maintained for white and black children. Booker T. Washington High School provided education for black children from surrounding areas under contract at until the schools were finally integrated.[69] Jonesboro was a leader in educating African-American Children.
Media
| Call sign | Channel | Network(s) |
|---|---|---|
| KAIT | 8.1 | ABC |
| 8.2 | NBC | |
| 8.3 | CW+ | |
| KTEJ | 19.1 | PBS |
| 19.2 | Create | |
| 19.3 | PBS Kids | |
| 19.4 | World | |
| KJNB-LD/KJNE-LD | 39.1/42.1 | FOX |
| 39.2/42.2 | CBS | |
| 39.3/42.3 | MeTV/MyNetworkTV | |
| KVTJ | 48.1 | Religious |
| Call sign | Frequency | Format | Branding |
|---|---|---|---|
| KASU | 91.9 | Public Radio | 91.9 KASU |
| K224DW (KDXY-HD3) | 92.7 | Soft AC | EZ 92.7 FM |
| K237FI (KNEA) | 95.3 | Sports | 95.3 The Ticket |
| K253BQ (KJBX-HD2) | 98.5 | Classic Country | 98.5 The Outlaw |
| KEGI | 100.5 | Classic Rock | 100.5 The Eagle Rocks |
| K267AS (KBTM) | 101.3 | News/Talk | News Talk 101.3 KBTM |
| KIYS | 101.7 | Top 40 (CHR) | 101.7 KISS-FM |
| KLEK-LP | 102.5 | Community | 102.5 KLEK |
| KFLO-LP | 102.9 | Adult Hits | KFLO 102.9FM |
| KDXY | 104.9 | Country | 104.9 The Fox |
| KJBX | 106.3 | Hot AC | Mix 106.3 |
| K298AV (KDXY-HD2) | 107.5 | Rhythmic Top 40 (CHR) | 107.5 The Party Station |
| KFIN | 107.9 | Country | The BIG 107.9 KFIN |
| Call sign | Frequency | Format | Branding |
|---|---|---|---|
| KNEA | 970 | Sports | 95.3 The Ticket |
| KBTM | 1230 | News/Talk | News Talk 101.3 KBTM |
Infrastructure
Transportation
Air service
The region is served by the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, which is served by Southern Airways Express through the federally subsidized Essential Air Service program.
Public transport
The city is served by Jonesboro Economical Transit (GOJO). As of 2026, GOJO operates four fixed routes, as well as paratransit service for disabled persons.[70] Intercity bus service to the city is provided by Greyhound Lines.
List of highways
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Notable people
- Blake Anderson, football coach
- Gordon Anderson, sculptor
- David Auburn, playwright and screenwriter, best known for Proof
- Earl Bell, pole vaulter and Olympian
- Wes Bentley, actor, born in Jonesboro
- Gene Bradley, former quarterback for the New Jersey Generals
- Al Bramlet, former labor union leader
- Rodger Bumpass, voice of Squidward on SpongeBob SquarePants
- Hattie Wyatt Caraway, first woman elected to the U.S. Senate
- Paul Caraway, son of Hattie Caraway; high commissioner of U.S. Civil Administration of the Ryukyu Islands
- Matt Cavenaugh, Broadway actor
- Francis Cherry, former Arkansas governor (1953–1955)
- Austin Cook, professional golfer
- Harold Copenhaver, current mayor of Jonesboro
- Rick Crawford, U.S. congressman
- Ferd Dreher, football player
- Michelle Gray, state representative since 2013[71]
- John Grisham, novelist
- Jeff Hartwig, pole vaulter
- Julia Butterfly Hill, environmental activist
- Larry Lacewell, former director of scouting for Dallas Cowboys
- Evan Lindquist, first Artist Laureate of Arkansas
- Kyle Dean Massey, Broadway actor
- Dustin McDaniel, former Arkansas attorney general
- Malik Monk, basketball player
- Ben Murphy, actor, known for role in Alias Smith and Jones
- Jon Olsen, Olympic gold medalist swimmer
- Billy Lee Riley, rockabilly musician
- David Ring, Christian evangelist and motivational speaker
- Jeremy Sivits, former U.S. Army soldier discharged after connections to Abu Ghraib torture and prisoner abuse
- Brandt Smith, member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
- W. Stephen Smith, voice teacher, author, and Northwestern University professor
- John W. Snyder, U.S. secretary of the treasury under President Harry S. Truman
- Dan A. Sullivan, member of Arkansas House of Representatives since 2015
- Charley Thornton, college sports administrator
- Dwight Tosh, member of Arkansas House of Representatives since 2015
- Bobby Lee Trammell, rockabilly musician
- Debbye Turner, Miss America 1990
- Frederick C. Turner, Jr., one of the first Black students and first Black faculty member at ASU; U.S. Army officer[72]
- Zach Williams, Christian rock artist
See also
References
- ↑ "Mayor's Welcome". City of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- 1 2 "2025 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- 1 2 U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Jonesboro, Arkansas
- 1 2 3 "Explore Census Data". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "City and Town Population Totals: 2020-2025". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "2020 Census Qualifying Urban Areas and Final Criteria Clarifications". www.federalregister.gov. Federal Register. December 29, 2022. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "Jonesboro's History". City of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "The City Version 16 | Jonesboro - A Brief History". Scalar, University of Southern California. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Native American Heritage Month". Only in Arkansas. November 6, 2015. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Jonesboro (Craighead County)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Craighead County Arkansas Genealogy Trails". Genealogy Trails. March 3, 2006. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ↑ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 170.
- ↑ "Jonesboro Lynching of 1881". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. November 15, 2025. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Jonesboro Public School System". Archived from the original on August 28, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2007.
- ↑ "St. Bernard's Medical Center: History & Facts". Archived from the original on November 14, 2017. Retrieved December 12, 2007.
- ↑ "About Arkansas State University". asunews.astate.edu. Archived from the original on January 12, 2008.
- ↑ Lancaster, Guy (February 1, 2019). "The unbearable whiteness of being - What's lost when we consider the history of racial violence from a white perspective". Arkansas Times. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ↑ "Arkansas Mob Hangs Slayer of Policeman". New-York Tribune. New York City. 1920. p. 3. ISSN 1941-0646. OCLC 9405688. Retrieved December 28, 2020.
- ↑ Grazulis, Thomas P. (1993). Significant tornadoes, 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Environmental Films. p. 1099. ISBN 1-879362-03-1.
- ↑ "Storm Prediction Center WCM Page: Severe Weather Database Files (1950-2014)". Storm Prediction Center. March 17, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2016.
- ↑ Lauderdale, Vance (May 26, 2013). "Remembering the 1973 Jonesboro, Arkansas, Tornado". Memphis Magazine. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ Goodwyn, Wade (March 23, 2018). "20 Years Later, Jonesboro Shooting Survivors Conflicted Over Parkland". National Public Radio. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
- ↑ "Teachers get Ready for Magnet Schools". KAIT (K8 News). July 19, 2007. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Large, destructive tornado strikes Jonesboro, Ark., leaving behind 'severe' damage". The Washington Post. March 29, 2020. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ Arkansas Atlas & Gazetteer, DeLorme, 2nd ed. 2004, p. 36, ISBN 0-89933-345-1
- ↑ "Climate Summary for Jonesboro, Arkansas". Weatherbase. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Archived from the original on June 8, 2021. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
- ↑ "Station: Jonesboro 2 NE, AR". U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
- ↑ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing". www.census.gov. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- ↑ "Jonesboro, AR Housing Market". Zillow. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Jonesboro city, Arkansas". www.census.gov. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ General Social and Economic Characteristics: Arkansas (PDF). United States Census Bureau. pp. 35 of 74. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ Arkansas: 1990 (PDF). United States Census Bureau. pp. 46 of 368. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Jonesboro city, Arkansas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Jonesboro city, Arkansas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Jonesboro city, Arkansas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "US Census Bureau, Table P16: Household Type". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "How many people live in Jonesboro city, Arkansas". USA Today. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Arkansas: 2010 Census of Population and Housing" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. September 2012. p. 243 of 402. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Arkansas Division of Aeronautics Awards 2024 Airport and Airport Manager of the Year". State Aviation Journal. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Copenhaver Named Mayor of the Year". Jonesboro Right Now. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Jonesboro Wins 2024 Arkansas Plan of the Year for Health Accelerator Plan". KJNB TV. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Trail of the Year". Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Caring for One Another in Jonesboro". Arkansas Business. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Arkansas Business Announces Trendsetter City Awards". Arkansas Business. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "The Mall at Turtle Creek to hold grand opening March 28-April 8 - Memphis Business Journal". Memphis Business Journal. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
- ↑ "Barnes & Noble to not reopen, will seek alternative locations if economic conditions improve". KAIT8. September 4, 2020. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
- ↑ Waldon, George (November 3, 2003). "Developers vie for new mall in Jonesboro". Arkansas Business. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
- ↑ "The walls of Indian Mall will soon come down". KAIT (K8 News). January 18, 2012. Retrieved August 17, 2022.
- ↑ "Jonesboro Mall Site Sells, Redevelopment Plans Take Shape". Arkansas Business. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Craighead Forest Park".
- ↑ "Crowley's Ridge Parkway National Scenic Byway | Jonesboro, AR | Arkansas.com". www.arkansas.com. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
- ↑ "Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center".
- ↑ University, Arkansas State. "A-State". www.astate.edu. Retrieved March 9, 2023.
- ↑ "Arkansas State University Museum". Arkansas State University. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Fowler Center". Arkansas State University. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Bradbury Art Museum". Bradbury Art Museum. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "The Forum Theatre". Foundation of Arts. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Delta Symphony Orchestra". Delta Symphony Orchestra. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "First National Bank Arena". Arkansas State University. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library". Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Parks and Recreation". City of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Jonesboro". Arkansas.com. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Visit Jonesboro". Visit Jonesboro. Retrieved October 10, 2025.
- ↑ "Jonesboro, Arkansas". New York Institute of Technology. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
- ↑ "Home". neactc.ss7.sharpschool.com.
- ↑ "2020 Census - School District Reference Map: Craighead County, AR" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 28, 2026.
- ↑ "Encyclopedia of Arkansas". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
- ↑ "GOJO - Jonesboro's public transit system | Jonesboro, AR". www.jonesboroar.gov. Retrieved May 13, 2026.
- ↑ "Michelle Gray's Biography". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
- ↑ "Frederick C. Turner, Jr".
Further reading
- Hendricks, Nancy (July 14, 2021). "Jonesboro (Craighead County)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas. Little Rock, Arkansas: CALS. jonesboro-862. Retrieved September 14, 2021.
- Spiva, Dave (August 2021). "Arkansas Post Distributes $200,000 in Federal Grants to Veterans in Need". VFW Magazine. Vol. 108, no. 10. Kansas City, Missouri: Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. pp. 36–37. ISSN 0161-8598.
The state of Arkansas granted federal pandemic-relief funds to a VFW Post in northern Arkansas. The Post Commander says all funds have gone to veterans and families in need.
External links
- City of Jonesboro
Geographic data related to Jonesboro, Arkansas at OpenStreetMap - Jonesboro, Arkansas at Ballotpedia
- Works by or about Jonesboro, Arkansas at the Internet Archive
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