# Alma, Arkansas

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City in Arkansas, United States

Alma, Arkansas City Popeye downtown Alma Mottoes: Crossroads of America Spinach Capital of the World Location of Alma in Crawford County, Arkansas. Alma Location in Arkansas Coordinates: 35°29′31″N 94°13′00″W / 35.49194°N 94.21667°W / 35.49194; -94.21667 Country United States State Arkansas County Crawford Incorporated 1874 Area [1] • Total 5.90 sq mi (15.28 km2) • Land 5.73 sq mi (14.84 km2) • Water 0.17 sq mi (0.44 km2) Elevation [2] 466 ft (142 m) Population (2020) • Total 5,825 • Estimate (2025)[3] 6,071 • Density 1,016.5/sq mi (392.48/km2) Time zone UTC−06:00 (CST) • Summer (DST) UTC−05:00 (CDT) ZIP Code 72921 Area code 479 FIPS code 05-00970 GNIS feature ID 2403086[2] Website cityofalma.org

**Alma** is a city in [Crawford County](/source/Crawford_County%2C_Arkansas), in far western [Arkansas](/source/Arkansas), United States. It is located within the [Arkansas River Valley](/source/Arkansas_River_Valley) at the edge of the [Ozark Mountains](/source/Ozark_Mountains); the city is the sixth largest in the [Fort Smith metropolitan area](/source/Fort_Smith_metropolitan_area).[4] The population was 5,825 at the [2020 Census](/source/2020_United_States_Census).[5] [Interstates 40](/source/Interstate_40_in_Arkansas) and [49](/source/Interstate_49) were constructed to intersect near the existing city.

## History

Alma was [incorporated](/source/Incorporated_town) in 1874. Its economy was largely agricultural until the introduction of the canning industry.[6] Today, the city claims the title of "[Spinach](/source/Spinach) Capital of the World".

In his book *Washington Goes to War* (1996), [David Brinkley](/source/David_Brinkley) described Alma's participation in the World War II effort:

In the town of Alma, Arkansas (population 776), one-fourth of the girls in the 1944 high school graduating class signed up to leave for [Washington](/source/Washington%2C_D.C.), and several of their teachers cast aside their low-paying jobs and went with them, all of them climbing aboard a [Pullman car](/source/Pullman_(car_or_coach)) for their first train ride, looking for more money and excitement than they had any reasonable expectation of finding in Alma.[7]

Many people migrated from small towns to the capital seeking jobs as the government and associated businesses expanded to run the war effort.

## Geography

Streetside along Highway 162 in Alma, AR

According to the [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau), the city has a total area of 5.6 square miles (14.4 km2), of which 5.4 square miles (14.0 km2) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.4 km2), or 3.06%, is water.[8]

Alma developed along the border between the [Boston Mountains](/source/Boston_Mountains) and the [Arkansas River](/source/Arkansas_River) Valley. While most of the city lies on flat land, immediately to the north is scenic hill country. Alma is surrounded by several rural towns, including [Rudy](/source/Rudy%2C_Arkansas) to the north, [Dyer](/source/Dyer%2C_Arkansas) and [Mulberry](/source/Mulberry%2C_Arkansas) to the east, and [Kibler](/source/Kibler%2C_Arkansas) to the southwest.

Alma is located in south-central Crawford County and has no airport. The train station, which fell into a state of dilapidation, was torn down in the early 1970's.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Much of its commerce derives from interstate highway traffic, as Interstates 40 and [49](/source/Interstate_49) (previously [540](/source/Interstate_540_(Arkansas))), as well as U.S. Routes [64](/source/U.S._Route_64) and [71](/source/U.S._Route_71), pass through the city.

### Parks

Popeye's Garden includes a gazebo and fountain

Lake Alma Park, surrounding the [reservoir](/source/Reservoir_(water)) formed by a tall earthen dam that impounds Little Frog Bayou, is the largest park in Alma. It contains a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) bike trail loop and 18-hole [disc golf](/source/Disc_golf) course.[9] Alma Aquatic Park, open Memorial Day to Labor Day, is below the dam and contains a large swimming area, diving boards, slides, and a wading pool.[10]Joe and Freda Hawkins Memorial Walkway is located next to Alma Aquatic Park along [Little Frog Bayou](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Little_Frog_Bayou&action=edit&redlink=1).[11] Tony and Mardell Christello Park is 25 acres (10 ha) with flat, paved walking trail.[12]

## Demographics

Historical population Census Pop. Note %± 1880 504 — 1890 486 −3.6% 1900 440 −9.5% 1910 565 28.4% 1920 779 37.9% 1930 731 −6.2% 1940 774 5.9% 1950 1,228 58.7% 1960 1,370 11.6% 1970 1,613 17.7% 1980 2,755 70.8% 1990 2,959 7.4% 2000 4,160 40.6% 2010 5,419 30.3% 2020 5,825 7.5% 2025 (est.) 6,071 4.2% U.S. Decennial Census[13] 2014 Estimate[14]

### 2020 census

Alma racial composition[15][16] Race Number Percentage White (non-Hispanic) 4,826 82.85% Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 107 1.84% Native American 106 1.82% Asian 39 0.67% Other/Mixed 492 8.45% Hispanic or Latino 255 4.38%

As of the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census), Alma had a population of 5,825. The median age was 34.3 years. 29.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 15.0% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 86.7 males age 18 and over.[17][18]

94.5% of residents lived in urban areas, while 5.5% lived in rural areas.[19]

There were 2,222 households in Alma, of which 38.4% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 46.4% were married-couple households, 15.8% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 30.9% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 27.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[17]

There were 2,416 housing units, of which 8.0% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 2.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 8.7%.[17]

### Demographic estimates

A Census Bureau estimate reported 1,539 families residing in the city, a population density of 1,016.2 people per square mile, and 7.0% of residents under age 5.[16]

The median household income was $38,292, and the per capita income was $17,811. 32.3% of the population were under the poverty line.[16]

### 2000 census

As of the [census](/source/Census)[16] of 2000, there were 4,160 people, 1,560 households, and 1,168 families residing in the city. The population density was 865.4 inhabitants per square mile (334.1/km2). There were 1,688 housing units at an average density of 351.1 per square mile (135.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 94.66% [White](/source/Race_(U.S._census)), 1.71% [Black](/source/Race_(U.S._census)) or [African American](/source/Race_(U.S._census)), 1.56% [Native American](/source/Race_(U.S._census)), 0.10% [Asian](/source/Race_(U.S._census)), 0.12% [Pacific Islander](/source/Race_(U.S._census)), 0.75% from [other races](/source/Race_(U.S._census)), and 1.11% from two or more races. [Hispanic](/source/Race_(U.S._census)) or [Latino](/source/Race_(U.S._census)) of any race were 3.70% of the population.

There were 1,560 households, out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.1% were [married couples](/source/Marriage) living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.1% were non-families. 22.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the city, the age distribution was 32.1% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The [median income](/source/Median_income) for a household in the city was $28,906, and the median income for a family was $34,068. Males had a median income of $33,235 versus $17,014 for females. The [per capita income](/source/Per_capita_income) for the city was $15,227. 11.9% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the [poverty line](/source/Poverty_line), including 19.7% of those under the age of 18 and 25.4% of those ages 65 or older.

## Government

Alma operates under a form of local government where the mayor and city council combine to form the Governing Body. The city council is composed of six council members, with two elected from each of the city's three wards. Ward 1: Sandra Kilpatrick, Larry Blasingame. Ward 2: James McGhee, Evan Thacker. Ward 3: Damon Brown, Gary Perry. Council members serve two-year terms, and elections for all seats are held concurrently. The mayor serves a four-year term. The current mayor is Jim Fincher. The city also operates with a city clerk and a city attorney.[20]

## Education

Public education for elementary and secondary school students is provided by the [Alma School District](/source/Alma_School_District_(Arkansas)). The four schools in the district include Alma Primary School, Alma Intermediate School, Alma Middle School and [Alma High School](/source/Alma_High_School_(Arkansas)).[21]

## Arts and culture

Live music performance at Warren's Rec Room in Alma

See also: [Culture of Arkansas](/source/Culture_of_Arkansas)

Concerts are held at the Skokos Performing Arts Center on Main Street.[22]

### Spinach Capital of the World

Around 1987, Alma called itself the "[Spinach](/source/Spinach) Capital of the World" because the Allen Canning Company based in Alma canned more than half of all the spinach canned in the U.S., about 60 million pounds (27,000,000 kg) annually.[23] The town has had various statues of the cartoon character [Popeye](/source/Popeye), because of his connection to canned spinach; the most recent one was erected in 2007. Cast in bronze, it sits atop a fountain holding a can of spinach. It is the centerpiece of Popeye Park. Crystal City Texas is also considered the Spinach Capital of the World.[24]

### Annual cultural events

The annual Spinach Festival is hosted at the City Park and Community Center on the third weekend in April. First held in 1986, the festival is sponsored by the Alma Chamber of Commerce and the Alma Advertising & Promotion Commission. The festival brings carnival rides, crafts, food and live music. A spinach eating contest takes place at noon, followed by a spinach drop. A package of spinach is dropped from an Alma Fire Department ladder truck onto a board with entrant's names, with the winner receiving a cash prize.[25]

## Infrastructure

### Water

Alma Water & Sewer main office

The City of Alma Public Works Department contains the Water & Sewer Division. This group treats and distributes [potable water](/source/Potable_water) from Lake Alma to the residents and commercial users of the city while also owning and operating a wastewater collection system.[26]

Wastewater is collected and conveyed to the Alma Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). At the WWTP, wastewater passes through a bar screen, Parshall Flume, lagoon 1 (one completely mixed cell followed by two partially mixed cells), Lagoon 2 (facultative), Lagoon 3 (facultative), and optional chlorine/de-chlorination chambers. The plant has a design capacity of 1.75 million US gallons (6,600,000 L) per day, and discharges treated effluent to the [Arkansas River](/source/Arkansas_River) in accordance with the city's [NPDES](/source/Clean_Water_Act) permit administrated by the [Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality](/source/Arkansas_Department_of_Environmental_Quality).

## Notable people

- [Kiley Dean](/source/Kiley_Dean), R&B singer

- [Eli Drinkwitz](/source/Eli_Drinkwitz), [University of Missouri](/source/University_of_Missouri) football coach

- [Charlene Fite](/source/Charlene_Fite), [Republican](/source/Republican_Party_(United_States)) member of the [Arkansas House of Representatives](/source/Arkansas_House_of_Representatives) from District 80; formerly resided in Alma

- [Bradley Hathaway](/source/Bradley_Hathaway), poet and folk musician

- [Billy Hughes](/source/Billy_Hughes_(actor)), actor

- [Morgan Nick](/source/Disappearance_of_Morgan_Nick), child abduction/murder victim

- [Parley Pratt](/source/Parley_P._Pratt), early leader of the [Latter Day Saint movement](/source/Latter_Day_Saint_movement)

- [Fay Washington](/source/Fay_Washington), baseball player

- Gavin Webb, Filmmaker and Paranormal Investigator

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CenPopGazetteer2020_1-0)** ["2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files"](https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_05.txt). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gnis_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gnis_2-1) [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Alma, Arkansas](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/2403086)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Vintage_2025_Total_Population_Estimates_for_Incorporated_Places_and_Minor_Civil_Divisions;_Housing_Unit_Estimates_for_the_Nation,_States_and_Counties_3-0)** ["Vintage 2025 Total Population Estimates for Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions; Housing Unit Estimates for the Nation, States and Counties"](https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-kits/2026/vintage-2025-city-town-pop-estimates.html). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): All places within Fort Smith, AR-OK Metro Area"](http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/0500000US05033.16000P). U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved June 18, 2014.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2020_Census_5-0)** ["Alma city, Arkansas - Census Bureau Profile"](https://data.census.gov/profile/Alma_city,_Arkansas?g=160XX00US0500970). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved December 22, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["Alma (Crawford County)"](https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/alma-crawford-county-865/). *Encyclopedia of Arkansas*. Retrieved May 13, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Brinkley, David (1988). [*Washington Goes to War*](https://archive.org/details/washingtongoesto00brin). New York: A.A. Knopf : Distributed by Random House. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0394510259](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0394510259).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2010_8-0)** ["Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Alma city, Arkansas"](http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/1600000US0500970). U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved June 18, 2014.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** Saccente, Thomas (August 14, 2022). ["Alma to celebrate 'nice and flowly' beginners trail for mountain bikes"](https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2022/aug/14/alma-to-celebrate-nice-and-flowly-beginners-trail/). *Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette*. WEHCO Media. Retrieved May 25, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** Brich, Monica (May 21, 2023). ["River Valley water parks open early for 2023 season, including in Fort Smith, Alma and Clarksville.""](https://www.rivervalleydemocratgazette.com/news/2023/may/21/river-valley-water-parks-open-early-for-2023/). *River Valley Democrat-Gazette*. WEHCO Media. Retrieved May 25, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Alma renames trails in honor of lifelong residents"](https://www.nwahomepage.com/knwa/alma-renames-trails-in-honor-of-lifelong-residents/). KNWA. November 30, 2019. Retrieved May 25, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** Arkansas Business Staff (February 10, 2023). ["Alma's Soil Solutions"](https://www.arkansasbusiness.com/article/almas-soil-solutions/). *Trendsetter City Awards*. Arkansas Business. Retrieved May 25, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Census of Population and Housing"](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html). Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Incorporated Places: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150522132816/http://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2014/SUB-EST2014-3.html). Archived from [the original](https://www.census.gov/popest/data/cities/totals/2014/SUB-EST2014-3.html) on May 22, 2015. Retrieved June 4, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Explore Census Data"](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US0500970&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved January 1, 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-GR2_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-GR2_16-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-GR2_16-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-GR2_16-3) ["U.S. Census website"](https://www.census.gov). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). Retrieved January 31, 2008.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_17-2) ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME,DP1_0021P,DP1_0024P,DP1_0025C,DP1_0049C,DP1_0045C,DP1_0069C,DP1_0073C,DP1_0125P,DP1_0126P,DP1_0129P,DP1_0133P,DP1_0137P,DP1_0138P,DP1_0139P,DP1_0141P,DP1_0142P,DP1_0143P,DP1_0145P,DP1_0146P,DP1_0147C,DP1_0148C,DP1_0149C,DP1_0156C,DP1_0157C,DP1_0158C,DP1_0159P,DP1_0160P&for=place%3A00970&in=state%3A05). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census2020PL_18-0)** ["2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME,P1_001N,P1_003N,P1_004N,P1_005N,P1_006N,P1_007N,P1_008N,P1_009N,P2_001N,P2_002N,H1_001N,H1_002N&for=place%3A00970&in=state%3A05). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved April 27, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census2020DHC_19-0)** ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME,P2_002N,P2_003N&for=place%3A00970&in=state%3A05). *United States Census Bureau*. 2023. Retrieved April 27, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** City of Alma (May 21, 2025). ["Alma, Arkansas Government Council"](https://www.almaarkansas.gov/council/). *City of Alma, Arkansas*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Alma School District"](http://www.edline.net/pages/Alma_District/Schools). Alma School District. Retrieved August 10, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Hooper, Monica (February 1, 2026). ["The view from the stage Amos Cochran skips the auditorium for Feb. 7 concert in Alma"](https://www.nwaonline.com/news/2026/jan/31/amos-cochran-skips-the-auditorium-for-feb-7/). *Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette*. WEHCO Media. p. 159. Retrieved May 25, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Alma, Spinach Capital of the World"](http://arkansasroadstories.com/alma.html). Arkansas Roadside Travelouge. Retrieved August 10, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** ["Popeye Statue - 2007 Model"](http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/15404). Roadside America. Retrieved December 12, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** Ransom, Brittany (April 20, 2013). ["Spinach Festival draws hundreds to downtown Alma"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150226051203/http://www.thecitywire.com/node/27461#.VO4KtfnF9qU). The City Wire. Archived from [the original](http://www.thecitywire.com/node/27461#.VO4KtfnF9qU) on February 26, 2015. Retrieved February 25, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["Annual Drinking Water Quality Report"](http://ar-alma.civiccities.com/DocumentCenter/View/1411). 2013. Retrieved February 25, 2015.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

- [United States portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:United_States)

## External links

**Alma, Arkansas**  at Wikipedia's [sister projects](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikimedia_sister_projects)

- [Media](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Alma,_Arkansas) from Commons
- [Travel information](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Alma_(Arkansas)) from Wikivoyage
- [Data](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q79440) from Wikidata

- [City of Alma](http://cityofalma.org/) official website

- [The Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture](http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net/encyclopedia/entry-detail.aspx?entryID=865)

- [History of Alma](https://web.archive.org/web/20061105050834/http://almachamber.com/HISTORY%20OF%20ALMA.pdf) (pdf) from the Alma Chamber of Commerce website

v t e Municipalities and communities of Crawford County, Arkansas, United States County seat: Van Buren Cities Alma Cedarville Dyer Kibler Mountainburg Mulberry Van Buren Map of Arkansas highlighting Crawford County Towns Chester Rudy CDPs Dora Uniontown Other unincorporated communities Artist Point Belmont Bidville Figure Five Graphic Lee Creek Natural Dam Schaberg Ghost towns Anna Armada Lancaster Arkansas portal United States portal

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Alma, Arkansas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alma%2C_Arkansas) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alma%2C_Arkansas?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.