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Paragould, AR

Frequently asked questions

Paragould, AR

Paragould is the county seat of Greene County, and the 19th-largest city in Arkansas, in the United States. The city is located in northeastern Arkansas on the eastern edge of Crowley's Ridge, a geologic anomaly contained within the Arkansas delta. Paragould is the principal city of the Paragould, Arkansas Micropolitan Statistical Area and is also a part of the Jonesboro-Paragould Combined Statistical Area.

The city's name is a blend combining the last names of competing railroad magnates J. W. Paramore and Jay Gould. Paramore's Texas & St. Louis Railway (later the Cotton Belt) and Gould's St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern Railway (later the Missouri Pacific) intersected here in 1882. A group of citizens chose the name, and it is believed to be the only city in the world with this name. Gould objected to his name's being second and refused to list the new town on his schedules.

From 1888 to 1908, Paragould experienced a series of incidents in which White residents threatened and attacked Black residents. Some Black residents were flogged, and some of their homes and churches were burned. Arkansas Governor Jeff Davis ordered the state militia not to intervene on behalf of Black citizens. On numerous occasions, White residents ordered Black citizens to leave and never return. In 1908, they threatened them to leave or die, which resulted in an almost complete depopulation of African-Americans in the county, and earned Paragould the designation of a sundown town. Black children were not allowed to participate in any form of public education until 1948, and then by busing them out of the county to Booker T. Washington High School in Jonesboro. In 1957, facing mandated integration, Jonesboro terminated this practice. Before 1982, no hotel in Paragould would allow Black people to spend the night. In 1983, when two Black Union Pacific workers attempted to eat at a restaurant, they were locked out. When police reached the scene, they accused the workers of attempting to break into the restaurant. An informal ban on hiring African Americans was alleged to exist in Paragould until at least 2002.

Paragould places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, offering residents access to quality healthcare services through institutions like the Arkansas Methodist Medical Center. This medical center serves as a cornerstone in providing comprehensive medical care to the community, ensuring residents can prioritize their well-being. Additionally, Mission Outreach of NEA organizes community wellness programs and events aimed at encouraging healthy habits and promoting mental and physical well-being among residents. Paragould Parks and Recreation provides ample opportunities for outdoor recreation and physical activity, with various parks, walking trails, and fitness centers scattered throughout the city. Residents can engage in activities such as jogging, cycling, and group fitness classes, fostering an active lifestyle and promoting overall wellness. 

Top sites in Paragould, AR are Collins Theatre, Paragould Labor Park Center, and  Reynolds Park.

Population: 30,680 (2024). ZIP codes: 72450-72451. Area code: 870. Elevation: 289 ft (88 m). Area: 32.02 sq mi (82.93 km2).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Paragould, AR?

With a crime rate of 50 per one thousand residents, Paragould has one of the highest crime rates in America compared to all communities of all sizes - from the smallest towns to the very largest cities. One's chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime here is one in 20. Furthermore, addressing the root causes of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and substance abuse, will be essential in creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents. By addressing crime proactively and implementing effective strategies, the city can strive towards building a stronger, more resilient community where residents feel safe and secure.

What is the curfew in Paragould, AR?

Curfew established; exceptions. It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years to congregate, loiter, or be on the streets, highways, in public places, or upon unoccupied premises or grounds in the city after the hour of 11:00 p.m. on Sunday through Thursday or midnight on Friday and Saturday. Enforcement of the curfew is likely to involve collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and community stakeholders to uphold compliance with the regulations while considering individual circumstances and exceptions. Overall, the implementation of the curfew underscores the city's commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents, particularly during nighttime hours when risks may be heightened.

What is the poverty rate in Paragould, AR?

The average household income in Paragould is $66,436 with a poverty rate of 17.44%. The median rental costs in recent years come to - per month, and the median house value is -. The median age in Paragould is 35.9 years, 35.5 years for males, and 36.3 years for females. Overall, these statistics offer a glimpse into the socio-economic landscape of Paragould, highlighting aspects such as income levels, poverty rates, and demographic characteristics. They serve as valuable indicators for policymakers, researchers, and community leaders to understand the city's strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth and development.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Paragould

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Library Municode

Paragould Labor Park Center

Arkansas Methodist Medical Center

Mission Outreach of NEA

Parks and Recreation

Collins Theatre

Reynolds Park

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