West Memphis, Arkansas Totally Explained

Everything about West Memphis Arkansas totally explained

West Memphis is the largest city in Crittenden County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 28,181, ranking it as the state's 14th largest city, behind Bentonville. It is considered part of the Memphis metropolitan area, and is located directly across the Mississippi River from Memphis.
West Memphis is nationally known as the site of a 1993 triple murder in the Robin Hood Hills neighborhood. Three local teenagers, known as the West Memphis 3 were controversially convicted of the crime.

Geography

West Memphis is located at (35.150294, -90.178831).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 26.6 square miles (68.8 km²), of which, 26.5 square miles (68.6 km²) of it's land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.26%) is water.

Economy

Infrastructure

Primarily because of its central location and transportation infrastructure, West Memphis has become a hub for distribution and assembly operations.
The city lies at the point where two of the nation's most heavily travelled interstate highways, Interstate 40 and Interstate 55, intersect with the Mississippi River (a major cargo waterway) and large rail-lines operated by BNSF and Union Pacific.

Distribution centers

Major operations include distribution centers for retailers such as Family Dollar Stores and manufacturers such as Ciba Chemicals.

Gambling

West Memphis is also one of only two cities in Arkansas (along with Hot Springs) with a venue for parimutuel gambling, pre-dating the casino developments in nearby Tunica County, Mississippi by many years.
The city's Southland Gaming and Racing Park has been revamped in recent years to include electronic games of skill, such as video poker machines, following approval by the Arkansas General Assembly.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 27,666 people, 10,051 households, and 7,136 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,044.3 people per square mile (403.2/km²). There were 11,022 housing units at an average density of 416.1/sq mi (160.6/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 55.93% Black or African American, 42.16% White, 0.21% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. 1.01% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
   There were 10,051 households out of which 36.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were married couples living together, 25.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. There are 553 unmarried partner households: 475 heterosexual, 52 same-sex male, and 26 same-sex female. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.23.
   In the city the population was spread out with 31.5% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 86.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.9 males.
   The median income for a household in the city was $27,399, and the median income for a family was $32,465. Males had a median income of $29,977 versus $21,007 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,679. About 23.7% of families and 28.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.9% of those under age 18 and 22.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education

College

Mid-South Community College
Public schools
West Memphis High School, 10-12
West Junior High School, 7-9
Bragg Elementary School, K-6
Richland Elementary School, K-6
Faulk Elementary School, K-6
East Junior High School, 7-9
Jackson Elementary School, PK-6
Maddux Elementary School, K-6
Weaver Elementary School, K-6
Wonder Elementary School, K-6
Wonder Junior High School, 7-9
Avondale Elementary School, PK-1
Wedlock Elementary School, K-6

Private schools

West Memphis Christian School, PK-12

Crittenden Pentecostal Academy, K-12

St. Michaels School, PK-6

Notable residents

Betty Blue - model and actress

Marcus Brown - former NBA and current European basketball player

Shirley Brown - Grammy-nominated Stax recording artist

Michael Cage - former NBA rebounding champion

Sid Eudy aka Sid Vicious or Sid Justice - former 4 time World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion (WWE, WCW)

T.J. Holmes- CNN anchor

Keith Lee - former NBA player

Sonny Weems - University of Arkansas basketball player

Sonny Boy Williamson II - blues musicianFurther Information

Get more info on 'West Memphis Arkansas'.

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