Living in Harrison, Arkansas
Harrison is the gateway to the Buffalo National River, America’s first national river. It pairs small-town charm and a historic courthouse square with some of the best floating, hiking and fishing in the Ozarks, and Branson is just 33 miles north.
A steady, stable town
Harrison has grown slowly and steadily. The Census Bureau estimated 13,026 residents in 2015, the 2020 census counted 13,069, and the 2025 estimate is 13,802. It’s the county seat of Boone County and the regional hub for shopping, healthcare and jobs in north-central Arkansas.
| Year | Population | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 (census) | 12,943 | |
| 2015 (estimate) | 13,026 | |
| 2020 (census) | 13,069 | |
| 2025 (estimate) | 13,802 |
Schools
Harrison is served by the Harrison School District, and North Arkansas College (Northark) is based in town. Current GreatSchools ratings:
| School | Grades | GreatSchools |
|---|---|---|
| Skyline Heights Elementary | K–5 | 8/10 |
| Forest Heights Elementary | K–5 | 7/10 |
| Harrison Middle School | 5–8 | 8/10 |
| Harrison High School | 9–12 | 7/10 |
| Bergman Elementary & Middle (nearby district) | K–8 | 8/10 |
Ratings as of October 2026 and subject to change. School assignment depends on the home’s address, so always confirm attendance zones with the district. I’m happy to check any home you’re considering.
The outdoors
Rivers & lakes
- Buffalo National River: floating, kayaking and swimming beneath towering bluffs; its headquarters is in Harrison
- Crooked Creek, a “Blue Ribbon” smallmouth bass fishery through town
- Bull Shoals Lake and Table Rock Lake for boating and fishing
Trails & wildlife
- Hemmed-In-Hollow Falls and the Ozark Highlands Trail
- Elk viewing just south of town
- Horseback riding, cave tours and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
Families & youth activities
- The new Creekside Community Center, with pools, sports courts, an esports room and more
- Floating, fishing and hiking trips minutes from home
- Harrison School District athletics and band, and classes at Northark
Arts, culture & events
- The historic Lyric Theater and Boone County Courthouse on the square
- The Boone County Heritage Museum and a downtown mural tour
- The restored 1929 Hotel Seville
- Crawdad Days music festival in May, the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship in September, Harvest Homecoming in October and the July 4th Fire in the Sky
Where to eat
- DeVito’s, known for fresh trout and Italian dishes
- Jamie’s Local Flavor
- Ranch House
- Neighbor’s Mill for artisan breads and pastries
Major employers & business
Harrison is home to the general office of FedEx Freight, along with North Arkansas Regional Medical Center, Pace Industries, Claridge Products, Windstream and North Arkansas College. Bentonville and Rogers are about a 90-minute drive west.
Community profile
Harrison is a close-knit, family-oriented town with a median age around 41. At the 2020 census, about 88% of residents were white (non-Hispanic) and about 4% Hispanic or Latino.
Thinking about Harrison?
Whether you want a home in town or acreage near the Buffalo River, I’ll help you find the right property and understand the local market. I’m Chris DuBose, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Harris McHaney & Faucette in Rogers, licensed in Arkansas (SA00097363) and Missouri (2026019341).
