How Many Billionaires Live in Arkansas?

Publicly available data and estimations from financial publications offer insights into wealthy individuals. These lists are dynamic and subject to change as market conditions and personal fortunes fluctuate. Understanding where billionaires reside provides a glimpse into the economic foundations and opportunities present within those regions.

Current Number of Billionaires

Arkansas is home to several billionaires, with Forbes reporting six individuals as of March 2024. Financial publications like Forbes and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index track the world’s wealthiest individuals, providing estimated net worths and rankings. These sources typically determine net worth by evaluating public holdings, private company valuations, real estate, and other assets, while also considering known liabilities. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index, for example, updates its rankings daily based on market close data in New York, reflecting real-time changes in wealth.

Notable Billionaires in Arkansas

Among the prominent billionaires associated with Arkansas, several names consistently appear due to their significant business ventures and long-standing ties to the state. Jim Walton, youngest son of Walmart founder Sam Walton, holds a substantial fortune primarily from his stake in Walmart and his role as chairman of Arvest Bank Group Inc. As of March 2024, his net worth was estimated at $78.4 billion. Rob Walton, the eldest son of Sam Walton, also derives his wealth from Walmart and is known for owning the NFL’s Denver Broncos; his net worth was approximately $77.4 billion in March 2024.

Alice Walton, the only daughter of Sam Walton, is another significant figure with wealth stemming from Walmart. Her net worth was reported at $72.3 billion in March 2024. Johnelle Hunt, co-founder of J.B. Hunt Transport Services, built her fortune in the trucking industry, with an estimated net worth of $4.9 billion as of March 2024.

Warren Stephens, chairman and CEO of Stephens Inc., an investment banking firm, had a net worth of $3.2 billion in March 2024. John Tyson, chairman of Tyson Foods, and Barbara Tyson, his sister-in-law, are also billionaires from the food processing industry, with net worths of $2.5 billion and $2.1 billion respectively in March 2024.

Economic Drivers of Wealth in Arkansas

Key Industries Driving Wealth

Arkansas’s economic landscape has fostered significant wealth accumulation through several dominant industries. The retail sector, spearheaded by Walmart, headquartered in Bentonville, has been a primary engine of wealth generation. The presence of Walmart has attracted over 1,300 supplier companies to the region, creating an economic ecosystem fostering business activity.

Food Processing and Agriculture

Food processing is another robust industry, with Tyson Foods having a strong presence in the state. Arkansas is also a leading agricultural producer, contributing substantially to the state’s economy.

Logistics and Finance

The logistics and distribution sector, exemplified by J.B. Hunt Transport Services, thrives due to Arkansas’s central location and developed transportation infrastructure. Investment banking, with firms like Stephens Inc., also contributes to the state’s financial wealth.

State Economic Policies

The state has actively pursued policies to enhance its economic attractiveness, including tax rate reductions. These tax cuts aim to encourage business growth and investment. Arkansas has also focused on initiatives to support entrepreneurialism and workforce development, further strengthening the environment for wealth creation.