Rural living is becoming increasingly attractive across the nation. The statistics show that 66% of Americans would consider moving to a rural area if telecommuting were an option. Searcy County, Arkansas, stands out as a top destination. As the only rural county in Arkansas with net population growth over the last decade, it draws new residents with its natural beauty, strong community spirit, entrepreneurial culture, affordable housing, and expanding broadband for remote work.

Communities Unlimited (CU) supports this trend through its “Relocation Rural” initiative, showcasing success stories like Searcy County, located in the north-central part of the Natural State. Despite decades of poverty and population decline, the Greater Searcy County Chamber of Commerce, led by Executive Director Darryl Treat, shifted the narrative 12 years ago by focusing on the county’s strengths, particularly through social media.

“I joined the Chamber 12 years ago, and we had to address the challenges of being one of Arkansas’s poorest counties with a declining population,” Treat said. “We chose to accentuate the positives.”

With nearly 8,000 residents, the Chamber’s efforts have boosted local pride, encouraged residents to stay, and drawn back those who had left. This positive messaging, combined with the rise of remote work, has made Searcy County an appealing choice for newcomers.

The Chamber’s collaboration with local governments has been key to these successes. “Our alignment with local governments is one of our biggest advantages,” Treat said.

Searcy County is not just about scenic views and essential services — it’s also a hub for entrepreneurs, with local businesses ranging from healthcare to retail. Visitors and residents enjoy cabins, local dining, and outdoor activities on the Buffalo National River. The county’s diverse economy includes timber, manufacturing, and more.

With a low cost of living, supportive schools, and a close-knit community, Searcy County offers an appealing lifestyle. The Buffalo River, which drew 1.5 million visitors in 2023, further highlights the area’s appeal. Searcy County’s success is a testament to the potential for growth and renewal in rural America, and CU proudly supports these efforts.

In Part 3 of this series, we dive into how expanded broadband access and affordable housing and land have elevated Searcy County, setting a powerful example for rural communities across the nation.

Searcy County Part 3:

Searcy County’s remarkable transformation is also fueled by its broadband connectivity, affordable housing, and land availability, positioning it as a highly desirable place to live.

The county has long been a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts due to its scenic attractions. However, its recent advancements in digital infrastructure, led by the locally owned Petit Jean Electric Cooperative and its fiber optic network, have significantly boosted the area’s appeal to both visitors and prospective residents.

Located just 30 minutes from Clinton, where the cooperative’s headquarters is situated in neighboring Van Buren County, Petit Jean Electric Cooperative also maintains a district office in Marshall, the county seat of Searcy County. Through this proximity and deep-rooted local connection, the cooperative has made a lasting impact on the region’s development.

Michael Kirkland, CEO of Petit Jean Electric Cooperative and its subsidiary, Petit Jean Fiber, has been instrumental in leading this digital revolution. Reflecting on the importance of broadband access, Kirkland points to the COVID-19 pandemic as a pivotal moment that underscored the necessity of reliable internet.

“The COVID-19 pandemic shined a bright light on those areas that did not have connectivity,” Kirkland said.

During this time, rural areas without reliable broadband faced unprecedented challenges, with families struggling to keep up with educational, professional, and healthcare needs. The need for high-speed connectivity became undeniable.

Recognizing the urgency of bridging the digital divide, Petit Jean Electric Cooperative made significant investments in fiber infrastructure, drawing on federal funding to support the effort. The community’s overwhelming support for this project, from residents to the board of directors, was critical to its success.

As a result, more than 50% of Searcy County now has access to high-quality fiber internet, with ongoing plans to expand coverage even further. The effort to bring broadband to areas into the county and beyond has been no small feat, especially given the region’s rugged terrain.

While the landscape is undeniably stunning, it creates substantial challenges for laying thousands of miles of fiber optic cable. On top of that, the local labor force, particularly with the necessary skill set, is limited, which added to the difficulty, along with the overall cost of the project.

However, thanks to some key grants that jumpstarted the initiative, the community was able to bring in local contractors and out-of-state consultants to help move the project forward. Despite the obstacles, Kirkland said his team managed to get the job done in a remarkably timely manner, proving that with enough dedication and support, no terrain is too tough to conquer when the stakes are this high.

“We’ve done something we’ve never done before,” Kirkland said. “Every day, we get better at it. We work hard to improve the service, making sure it’s reliable, stable, and provides a strong connection. Our goal is to reach all our neighbors who don’t yet have access to Petit Jean Fiber.”

For Kirkland, the hope is that even more people across the county — particularly local artisans and entrepreneurs — will benefit from enhanced connectivity. With reliable high-speed internet, small businesses can expand their markets beyond the county’s borders, offering new opportunities for economic growth.

On the housing front, the availability of affordable homes and land has also contributed to the county’s allure. Jonathan Daniel, a real estate agent with Arkansas Mountain Real Estate, has seen firsthand the increasing interest in Searcy County as more people seek alternatives to expensive urban markets.

“There are a lot of people coming to this area because the prices are very low,” Daniel said. However, he also notes that the housing market has struggled to keep up with growing demand. As more people relocate to the county, the need for additional housing has become increasingly apparent.

Despite this challenge, Searcy County remains an attractive destination for families.

The influx of remote workers has been another key driver of growth in Searcy County. Kenda Dearing, owner of the Kenda Drive-In Theatre, points to how remote work has reshaped the local economy.

“People can live in Marshall, Arkansas, and still work with firms in Little Rock or Dallas,” Dearing said. “We have a lot of people that have moved here to take advantage of Searcy County and raising their kids in a more rural environment, but still be able to work remotely, and internet access is a huge part of that.”

This new way of working has not only benefited individuals and families but also sparked local business growth. As more people choose to settle in Searcy County, the demand for services, from restaurants to local shops, has risen, strengthening the county’s economic foundation.

Local institutions have also reaped the rewards of this digital transformation. Bob King, Director of the Buffalo River Historic Jail and Museum, praised Petit Jean Fiber for providing high-quality broadband in such a remote area.

“You can live in the middle of nowhere in the southern part of the county, and if you have electricity, you have high commercial-grade broadband,” King said.

This reliable connectivity has boosted tourism, with more people visiting and discovering the area’s rich history and beauty. King also points to the county’s affordable housing.

“Housing is still, compared to large urban markets, very affordable,” King said. “We have good people, great neighbors, and it’s easy to be proud and brag when it’s based on truth.”

The combination of connectivity and community makes Searcy County an attractive place to live, particularly for those looking for an escape from city life.

This county’s story is one of development, not decline, as it demonstrates how investment in digital infrastructure and community-driven efforts can bring new life to rural areas.