A Crossroads of Opportunity

It’s a recognizable refrain: Northwest Arkansas stands at a crossroads of opportunity. We have one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies and a welcoming culture of kindness. The region’s prosperity is attracting talent and driving investment. It's also making everyday life more challenging for the fuel that keeps it running; our workforce.

The challenges of livability and affordability are complex, but they are solvable– especially for a community like ours that thrives on creativity and collaboration.

It’s worth investing time, energy and capital in solutions and in the organizations doing the work. We have the leaders and the organizations positioned to do what’s never been done: maintain accessibility amid rapid growth.

Make no mistake, our issues are enviable.

By uniting nonprofits’ compassion, businesses’ resources and policymakers’ vision, Northwest Arkansas can craft a future where everyone has the chance to earn more, learn more, and live well. 

Revenues vs. Expenses 

Housing in Benton and Washington counties has become a key pressure point. Rents have climbed nearly 49% over five years, wages haven’t kept pace. A one-bedroom apartment now averages over $1,000/month. In Bentonville, the median home price has soared to nearly $525,000. Even with Arkansas’s relatively low cost-of-living index, the reality is many essential workers — teachers, nurses, hospitality staff — are priced out of the places they serve.

Arkansas’ minimum wage is $11/hour, but a livable wage in NWA is closer to $21/hour for a single adult. That’s $44,000+ per year just to cover basic needs like housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. Two-thirds of jobs in the region pay $50,000 or less, and nearly 40% of Washington County households are below the ALICE income threshold.

Even with a $50,000 teaching salary, educators report working second jobs. Healthcare support roles often pay $30,000–$35,000/year — well below the cost of living. Hospitality and food service jobs, which fuel the local economy, often pay under $30,000. For single parents or families with children, the gap is even more striking.

A parent with one child in NWA needs over $66,000/year to cover basics.

The Needs of Our Neighbors

Arkansas currently has the highest food insecurity rate in the nation at 16.6%, and Northwest Arkansas is feeling that reality acutely. In 2022, 13.5% of Benton County residents and 17% of Washington County residents experienced food insecurity.

Food banks and pantries across the region report increased demand, especially among working families who earn too much to qualify for assistance but not enough to reliably feed their households. Cuts to programs like SNAP and rising grocery costs are only making the situation worse.

Sourcing the Silver Linings

Northwest Arkansas has amassed some of the brightest minds and most collaborative spirits to get to work on what in 2022 Richard Florida called “our crisis of success.”

Groundwork NWA is aligning local partners to expand housing options for working families. Upskill NWA is helping workers pursue credentials in higher-paying healthcare jobs by covering tuition, childcare, and transportation. The Single Parent Scholarship Fund, ALICE data from United Way, and the Excellerate Foundation are raising awareness and offering targeted solutions.

Cities are rethinking zoning and land use to encourage more diverse housing but they need to hear from you!

Thank you notes and good ideas > NIMBYism and negativity.

Nonprofits collaborate on attainable housing programs, expand food distribution, and offer financial counseling.

Organizations like Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, LifeSource International, and The Salvation Army of NWA are stepping in to meet the need, offering food distributions, mobile markets, and pantry services. These services are critical, but can’t fix the problem. Like housing and healthcare, food security must be part of a broader conversation about livability.

It’s Our Time and Our Turn

Nonprofit Leaders:

Use ALICE data and community stories to advocate for inclusive housing and higher wages.

Partner with businesses on workforce development and support services.

Coordinate services and outreach to support high-need populations.

Collaborate with food banks and pantries to expand food access.

Business Leaders:

Look in the mirror. Consider a compensation analysis against comparable markets.

Offer or support workforce training, tuition reimbursement, or flexible scheduling.

Lend your voice to housing, transit, and food security initiatives that benefit your employees.

Sponsor or partner with local food organizations for drives or volunteer opportunities.

Host an event at the NWA Food Bank or other nonprofit to raise awareness and see the impact firsthand.

Community Influencers and Officials:

Prioritize housing affordability in zoning, land use, and infrastructure planning.

Support adult education and job training programs.

Champion regional solutions and cross-sector collaboration.

Advocate for policies that expand food access and protect critical programs.