Rector, Arkansas

Lifestyle

Rector (pop 2017) is a warm, friendly community within driving distance of several major urban areas. The convenient location allows community members to enjoy a small-town environment while having easy access to nearby amenities in Jonesboro (45 minutes), Memphis (2 hours), and Little Rock (3 hours).

The rural community embraces traditional family values, provides excellent education and community involvement opportunities and offers a perfect setting for family living.  Residents enjoy temparate weather, low crime, moderate tax rates and a below average cost of living.

Originally founded as a railroad town, Rector grew up around the railway system that traces along the Crowleys Ridge hills through Northeast Arkansas.  The city is uniquely situated between the fertile agricultural flatlands of the St. Francis River to the southeast and the rolling meadows of the Crowley's Ridge foothills to the northwest.  It's rural locale affords numerous popular outdoor recreational activities including hunting, fishing, boating, hiking and more.

Rector is home to an annual Labor Day picnic that draws thousands to the city.  The festival is considered a 'must see' event by several Arkansas statesmen and serves as a yearly homecoming to Rectorites across the nation.

Local Economy

Rector has a diverse economic base, including small and medium size business, agriculture, industry, government and healthcare.

Most commercial establishments are service-related with food and retail sales predominating. The city, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, actively pursues downtown revitalization and small business development.

Agriculture plays a major role in the local economy with cotton, corn and soybeans the staple crops. Additionally, many related industries service the strong agricultural basis.

Manufacturing is a key component to the area.  Rector is home to Wise Co., a major supplier of boating products.  City residents also are employed by a number of manufacturing facililties throughout the greater region including American Railcar Inc., Darling Store Fixtures, Monroe Automotive Group, Utility Trailers, Emerson Electric Corp., Anchor Packaging and more.

The governement sector employs a number of area residents including the public education system, municipal and county positions and local state and federal offices.

Healthcare is a predominant industry as well.  Rector hosts two medical clinics, a dental surgeon and a nursing facility. Four hospitals are located with 45 minutes of the city, and many other medical outlets service the region.

Development Opportunities

The City of Rector and the Chamber of Commerce welcome new commercial and industrial businesses to the area.

Rector offers excellent schools, recreation, medical services and a growing workforce of 2017 friendly citizens who love to patronize area interests.

The city offers business developers and investors a wide selection of sites available for construction or improvement as well as several existing buildings, shops and office centers ready for immediate occupation.

A large manufacturing plant is currently available.  To learn more about this opportunity, click here.

For a more detailed profile, please visit the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's economic profile for the city of Rector by, clicking here.

For Further Information