Hitting the Bullseye
A pro-Second Amendment state with a robust outdoor economy, Arkansas welcomes firearms and ammunitions companies looking to start up, expand, or relocate. From powder and primer to gunsmithing and shooting accessories, the Natural State has been home to companies across all sectors of the firearms and ammunition industry for decades, a legacy it will continue to grow in the years to come.
The Industry at a Glance
- Home to the Duck Hunting Capital of the World: Stuttgart, Arkansas
- 3rd in economic output per capita in the arms and ammunition industry (Source: National Shooting Sports Foundation)
- 3rd Most Gun-Friendly State (Source: Ammo.com)
- 3rd Largest Exporter of Firearms and Ammunitions in the U.S. (Source: Global Trade Atlas, 2023)
- 8 pro-gun bills passed into law during the 2023 legislative session
- $2.3B in economic output
INFRASTRUCTURE
- Three U.S. interstates connecting east and west coasts, and the Canada and Mexico borders
- 16,418 miles of state and U.S. Highways – 12th largest system in the U.S.
- Eight intermodal freight facilities with four riverports
- 2,542 miles of Class 1 rail systems
- #3 in the nation with 1,000 miles of inland, navigable waterways
- Approximately 100 public airports including Clinton National, Northwest Arkansas National, and close proximity to Memphis International and the Fed-Ex hub
Well-trained workforce
- 7th highest percentage of manufacturing employment (Source: Business Facilities)
- 1.36M skilled and trained workforce
- 12% of Arkansas’ workforce is employed in manufacturing
- 8,400+ people employed in the arms and ammunitions industry.
Business Climate in Arkansas
- #3 Least Expensive State for Starting a Small Business (Source: SimplifyLLC)
- #2 on the Cost of Living Index (Source: C2ER)
- 7th highest percentage of manufacturing employment (Source: Business Facilities)
EDUCATION
- 50 colleges, universities & 2-year colleges throughout Arkansas
- 2,100+ engineering degrees awarded each year
- 150k+ students enrolled at an Arkansas institution of higher learning
- Black River Technical College is 1 of only 11 accredited gunsmithing programs in the US – and the only institution connected to a law enforcement training academy.
- Ozarka College's Precision Machining program prepares students for a career in manufacturing, providing them with skills in manual machining and operation of CNC mills and lathes.
Firearms & Ammunition Industry
Executive Overview
Arkansas is Primed for Success
Home to the duck hunting capital of the world and the 3rd most gun-friendly state, Arkansas is the natural choice for firearms and ammunition companies to find success.
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Arkansas Ranks 16th in the Nation for Personal Income Growth Gains
April 03, 2018Editor's Note: The following is a reprint of AEDC Executive Director Mike Preston's article published on Linked In on March 30, 2018. Find Mike Preston on LinkedIn here.
It was announced last month that the growth of personal income in Arkansas increased 3.2 percent in 2017, which ranked the state 16th in the nation for the largest increase. We also tied Tennessee for the largest increase among neighboring states. This is great news for the State of Arkansas and its citizens who are inching closer to the national average in per capita income while enjoying the perks of living in a state with low costs of living. Many U.S. economists believe that personal income growth is a key indicator of economic health.The growth in personal income also occurs at a time when we are enjoying historically low unemployment rates. More Arkansans have jobs today than ever before. In addition, Arkansas has been able to implement a record $150 million in tax cuts over the past three years.
Personal income growth for Arkansans increased 3 percent in the past year, from $118.9 billion to $122.5 billion. Today, average earnings are about $41,000 for each Arkansan. Arkansas is one of 11 states in the Southeast region, which led U.S. regional personal income growth.
Arkansas’ status is due in large part to our farming and healthcare/social assistance industries, which saw the largest earnings gains. By dollars, total farming earnings in Arkansas grew by just over half a billion dollars, with healthcare income rising by $444 million. Other industries seeing gains include construction, state and local government and durable goods manufacturing (0.16 percent), construction and nondurable manufacturing (0.14 percent), small business management (0.13 percent), and professional and business services (0.12 percent).
All of this combines to create an atmosphere favorable to businesses. Thanks to a governor who has remained dedicated to economic development from the moment he took office, Arkansas has been in a prime position to attract new industry, help existing businesses expand, foster entrepreneurism, and create more new jobs than ever before.
While we have made gains, there is still much to do. But, I do believe we have the momentum to keep us moving forward. Arkansas still remains one of the best-kept business secrets, but our pro-business climate and skilled workforce are gaining national attention.
You're in good company
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. Here are some examples of businesses that are thriving!
Arkansas offers a range of competitive incentives for businesses looking to open, expand or relocate.
