Living in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is a Victorian resort town tucked into the Ozark hills, with winding streets, stone buildings, more than 140 springs and a thriving arts community. It’s a favorite for weekend visitors, second homes, artists and retirees.
A small town with a big draw
Eureka Springs is small and stable: the 2010 census counted 2,073 residents, the 2020 census counted 2,166, and the 2025 estimate is about 2,250. Tourism keeps the town far livelier than its size suggests. In 1970, the entire town was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
| Year | Population | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 (census) | 2,073 | |
| 2020 (census) | 2,166 | |
| 2025 (estimate) | 2,258 |
Schools
The Eureka Springs School District serves the town, and all three of its schools earn strong GreatSchools ratings:
| School | Grades | GreatSchools |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka Springs Elementary | PK–4 | 8/10 |
| Eureka Springs Middle School | 5–8 | 8/10 |
| Eureka Springs High School | 9–12 | 8/10 |
Private options include Clear Spring School (PK–12). Ratings as of October 2026 and subject to change.
Landmarks & attractions
- The Crescent Hotel (1886), famous for its ghost tours, and the Basin Park Hotel (1905)
- Thorncrown Chapel, the glass-and-wood chapel by architect E. Fay Jones
- Christ of the Ozarks and the Great Passion Play
- Opera in the Ozarks, a summer festival since 1950
- Historic trolley tours through downtown
The outdoors
Close to town
- Lake Leatherwood City Park for hiking, biking and paddling
- Hiking trails around town and through the surrounding hills
- Beaver Lake, just west
Day trips
- Table Rock Lake to the north
- The Buffalo National River to the southeast
- Bentonville and Rogers about 45 minutes west
Arts, shopping & events
- More than 600 local artists, the Eureka Springs Gallery Association and the Eureka Springs School of the Arts
- Boutiques like the Eureka Springs Soap Stop and East by West, home of the famous working bunnies
- The May Festival of the Arts, Food & Wine Festival, Eureka Gras and the Halloween Zombie Crawl
- The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow
Where to eat
- Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave
- Ermilio’s Italian Eatery
- Local Flavor Cafe
- Cathouse Lounge for pub food and fish and chips
- Colossal Cupcakes & Cones for dessert
Economy & community
Tourism drives the local economy, supported by lodging, restaurants, galleries and the arts. Eureka Springs is known as one of the most welcoming towns in Arkansas, with four annual Diversity Weekends and a week-long PRIDE celebration in June.
Community profile
Eureka Springs attracts artists, entrepreneurs and retirees, and its median age at the 2020 census was about 56. About 85% of residents are white (non-Hispanic) and about 6% Hispanic or Latino.
Thinking about Eureka Springs?
From historic Victorian homes to cabins with lake views and short-term rental opportunities, I’ll help you understand the market and the local rules before you buy. I’m Chris DuBose, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette in Rogers, licensed in Arkansas (SA00097363) and Missouri (2026019341).
