Walmart’s transformation into a tech-powered company is not only reshaping the retail giant but also its hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. As Walmart competes with Amazon and expands its offerings, it is attracting talent to the region and turning Bentonville into a desirable location for workers. The population of Bentonville has grown rapidly, with the town projected to have 200,000 people by 2050. The city is experiencing a construction boom, with new homes, restaurants, hotels, and even a medical school in the works.
However, this growth has also brought challenges. The demand for housing has increased, and million-dollar homes have become more common in Bentonville. Affordable housing has become harder to find, and the cost of living has risen. While Bentonville’s median household income is around $99,000 annually, Walmart employees, who make up a significant portion of the population, earn a median salary of $27,642. This disparity raises concerns about affordability and displacement of residents.
The Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce aims to learn from other fast-growing cities like Austin and Boise to avoid the negative consequences of growth, such as traffic congestion and pricing out longtime residents. Despite the challenges, the region sees the benefits of Walmart’s presence in terms of property values, amenities, and the education system.
Walmart’s impact on Bentonville goes beyond its own employees. Fortune 500 companies J.B. Hunt and Tyson Foods are also based in northwest Arkansas, and many Walmart vendors have offices in the area to stay close to the company. Bentonville’s population is younger, wealthier, and more highly educated than the national average. The city’s median age is 32, and over 50% of its population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.
The influx of newcomers has also led to the emergence of a thriving restaurant and bar scene in Bentonville. Upscale establishments like Conifer offer dishes that cater to a more affluent clientele. While some locals have expressed concerns about rising prices, the majority of business travelers and residents seem to embrace the new dining options.
Despite the challenges of growth, Bentonville remains an attractive place to live, work, and visit. Its miles of mountain biking trails, the free American art museum Crystal Bridges founded by Sam Walton’s daughter, and the upcoming Walmart Museum renovations make it a destination for tourists. For Walmart employees, Bentonville may be less affordable, but the region offers a unique combination of small-town charm and big-city amenities.
As Bentonville continues to grow, city officials are focused on addressing affordability issues and ensuring a diverse range of housing options. A development project is underway to provide affordable housing for teachers and other school district employees who struggle to find affordable homes in the area. By planning ahead and incentivizing developers to build housing with a mix of price points, the city hopes to avoid urban sprawl and maintain a balanced community.
Despite the changes, long-time residents like Gil Curren still appreciate the lifestyle and sense of community that Bentonville offers. As the city evolves, it remains a place that many residents are proud to call home, even as they grapple with the challenges brought by its growth.
