Strong Foundations, Steady Growth

As we look back at the economic data shaping Conway through the first half of 2026, our community remains an exceptional engine of resilience. Navigating a shifting national landscape from a position of distinct strength, Conway’s key indicators point toward steady, localized momentum.

• A Leading Labor Force: Conway’s job market remains a cornerstone of our economic health. The local labor force stands strong at 38,625 participants, maintaining an exceptionally low unemployment rate of just 4.0% — comfortably outpacing both the Arkansas state average (4.4%) and the national benchmark (4.4%).
• Retail and Hospitality Surge: Consumer confidence is on full display. Year-to-date total retail sales have climbed to $661.21 million, a vibrant 5.02% increase over last year. This growth is heavily supported by the hospitality sector, with restaurant sales up 1.73% ($49.87 Million) and local hotel sales experiencing a remarkable 6.00% expansion ($3.13 Million).
• The Real Estate Premium: The housing market is experiencing fascinating dynamics driven by limited inventory. While total sales volume across Faulkner County rose 11.82% to $403.99 million, the number of homes sold inside Conway city limits dropped 13.81% (543 homes sold YTD vs. 630 last year). This tight supply has intensified competition, driving Conway’s median home price up by a substantial 14.94%.
• Steadying the Scale: Broader fiscal metrics show a healthy stabilization after a period of rapid expansion. Conway’s year-to-date total use tax pulled in $110.65 million (a minor 5.17% pullback against 2025’s historic baselines), while Faulkner County as a whole remained remarkably steady at $183.14 million, dipping a negligible 0.89%.

The Bottom Line

What do these numbers tell us? They confirm what we see every day at the bank: Conway is a thriving, forward-thinking community backed by a rock-solid economic foundation. We have a robust consumer base, highly competitive businesses, and a real estate market that continues to command a premium.

At Arvest Bank, we are proud to stand alongside the families, entrepreneurs, and leaders who drive this economy forward. The pulse of Conway is strong, and our future remains incredibly bright.

-Patrick Lewis, Community Bank President at Arvest Bank

Labor Force, February 2026

U.S.	170,483,000
Arkansas	1,454,561
Faulkner County	68,727*
Conway	38,625*

Unemployment Rate, February 2026

U.S.	4.7%
Arkansas	4.4%
Faulkner County	4.0%*
Conway	4.0%*

Total Sales in Conway, April 2026 (YTD)

2026	$661.21 (+5.02%)
2025	$629.58 million

Total Sales in Faulkner County, April 2026 (YTD)

2026	$860.09 million (+4.84%)
2025	$820.39 million

Total Use in Conway, April 2026 (YTD)

2026	$110.65 million (-5.17%)
2025	$116.68 million

Total Use in Faulkner County, April 2026 (YTD)

2026	$183.14 million (-0.89%)
2025	$184.78 million

Restaurant Sales in Conway, March 2026 (YTD)

2026	$77.70 million (+7.00%)
2025	$72.60 million

Hotel Receipts in Conway, March 2026 (YTD)

2026	$5.13 million (+12.90%)
2025	$4.54 million

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