North Little Rock (often abbreviated "NLR") is a city in Pulaski County, Arkansas, United States. Located on the north side of the Arkansas River, it is the twin city of Little Rock. In the late nineteenth century, it was annexed by Little Rock for a period, but regained its independence in the early 20th century. The population was 64,591 at the 2020 Census, making it the seventh-most populous city in Arkansas.
The city has invested in significant beautification efforts since the late 20th century. Young families and professionals have shown new interest in this area. The Argenta Historic District in Downtown is one of a number of areas that have developed as thriving entertainment districts offering theaters, fine dining, bars, gastropubs, and boutiques.
Originally named Argenta, Arkansas, the community was founded on April 18, 1871.[3] In 1890, the city of Little Rock annexed Argenta as part of its eighth ward, preempting a competing petition to incorporate.
As part of a plan to reclaim its independence, Argenta was incorporated on July 17, 1901, as the town of "North Little Rock". By 1904, the state's supreme court allowed North Little Rock to annex what was left of the ward. It readopted the name Argenta in 1906, only to revert to North Little Rock in October 1917. Evidence of the old town can still be found in the North Little Rock City Hall (built in 1914) which contains plaques referring to Argenta, and incorporates "C of A" (i.e. City of Argenta) ornamental features.[4]
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 47.0 square miles (122 km2), of which 44.8 square miles (116 km2) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2) (4.58%) is water.
North Little Rock has a humid subtropical climate with long, hot, and sunny summers and mild, wet winters with little snow. January on average is the coldest month, while July is typically the warmest, though occasionally August can claim the distinction.[6] The overall yearly average temperature is 62.5 degrees. Precipitation averages 45.79 inches a year, with winter and spring tending to be wetter than summer and autumn.[7] Severe thunderstorms can occur, especially during the Spring. On April 25, 2011, during that year's Super Outbreak, a possible tornado struck the US Air Force base in the city.
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 64,591 people, 27,903 households, and 14,720 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,234.2 people per square mile.[15]
23.6% of the population were under 18, and 6.9% were under the age of 5. People over 65 made up 16.2% of the population. The gender make up was 51.9% female and 48.1% male.[15]
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 62,304 people, 25,542 households, and 16,117 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,348.6 inhabitants per square mile (520.7/km2). There were 27,567 housing units at an average density of 615.2 per square mile (237.5/km2). The city was 54.02% White, 39.73% Black or African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.94% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 2.71% from other races, and 2.14% from two or more races. 5.71% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 25,542 households, out of which 28.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.9% were married couples living together, 17.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older[citation needed]. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.9 males[citation needed].
The median income for a household in the city was $35,578, and the median income for a family was $43,595[citation needed]. Males had a median income of $31,420 versus $24,987 for females[citation needed]. The per capita income for the city was $19,662[citation needed]. About 12.4% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.5% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over[citation needed].
Big Rock Quarry Park, which includes a Bike Park and Pump Track
Burns Park, one of the largest city-owned parks in the United States, contains a baseball and softball complex, soccer complex, campground, two golf courses, hiking trails, amusement park, and tennis complex.
Campbell Lake Park
Conley Park
Crestview Park
Emerald Park
Fearneyhough Park
Idlewild Park
North Little Rock Riverfront Park (formally known as North Shore Riverwalk Park)
Riverview Park, includes a skate park with street elements and a bowl
The City of North Little Rock elected officials are a mayor, city council of eight members (with two from each of the four wards), city clerk/treasurer, city attorney, and two judges. This is supplemented by a number of boards and commissions composed of city officials and residents.[18]
Intergovernmental relations
North Little Rock is home to the headquarters of the Arkansas Municipal League (AML), the state's only municipal representation organization. AML prides itself on providing leadership to each city or town before the state and federal governments. It is also a place for discussion and sharing of mutual concerns.[19]
The North Little Rock Public Library System has two branches: the Argenta Branch Library and the William F. Laman branch, which was named after a former mayor.[24]
North Little Rock is home to the headquarters of Rock Region Metro, Arkansas's largest transit agency. Before 2015, it was known as CATA (Central Arkansas Transit Authority). That same year, all of CATA's former buses were retrofitted to be energy-efficient. Rock Region's main bus terminal is located in Little Rock nearby the city's River Market. Rock Region also has the Metro Rail streetcars, which are a group of classic black and yellow streetcars that can be seen in Little Rock’s River Market and North Little Rock’s Argenta.
It is home to the National Weather Service North Little Rock, Arkansas. This is a major weather service authority in the region and frequently works with major media platforms to inform Arkansans of weather patterns in the state.
The North Little Rock Police Department operates unmanned aerial vehicles and has been working with a small pilotless helicopter since 2008.[25]
Fire department
In addition to fire and EMS calls, the North Little Rock Fire Department (NLRFD) responds to calls for their Special Operations Response Team, Haz Mat Response Team, and Water Rescue for the Arkansas River.[26]
^Mean monthly maxima and minima (i.e. the expected highest and lowest temperature readings at any point during the year or given month) calculated based on data at said location from 1991 to 2020.
^Official records for Little Rock began on 1 July 1879 at the State Capitol and maintained there until 30 April 1942. The next day, and until 7 August 1942, temperature and precipitation were recorded separately at two different locations in and around Little Rock, and the official climatology station has been Adams Field since 8 August 1942. For more information, see Threadex
^Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-1971. NARA Microfilm Publication, M841, 145 rolls. Records of the Post Office Department, Record Group Number 28, Washington, D.C.: National Archives
^Adams, Walter M., "A History of North Little Rock The Unique City" (1986, August House)(ISBN0874830028)
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