Game 3: Saturday, September 14, 2024 | Michigan vs. Arkansas State | Michigan Stadium | Noon
After a tough loss to Texas last weekend, the Michigan Wolverines are looking to bounce back as they host Arkansas State University at the Big House for their homecoming game. This will be the first-ever meeting between the Wolverines and the Red Wolves, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. As always, our football blog series is not just about the game but also about comparing Ann Arbor to other college towns around the nation represented by U-M’s competition. Let’s explore how Ann Arbor stacks up against Jonesboro, Arkansas!
Ann Arbor vs. Jonesboro, AR
Ann Arbor and Jonesboro differ greatly in terms of size, economic indicators, and educational focus. Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan, has a population of approximately 119,000, making it a vibrant hub for culture, education, and innovation. Jonesboro, however, is a much smaller city with around 80,650 residents. Interestingly, Ann Arbor’s population is more comparable to the entirety of Craighead County, where Jonesboro is located, highlighting the stark difference in city size and density. Despite these differences, both cities are deeply connected to their universities, which play key roles in their local economies and communities.
Economic Indicators: Income, Cost of Living, and Employment
When comparing economic indicators, Ann Arbor and Jonesboro show notable differences:
- Median Household Income: Ann Arbor’s median household income is significantly higher at $78,546, compared to Jonesboro’s $51,124. This disparity reflects Ann Arbor’s more diversified economy and higher concentration of high-paying jobs.
- Cost of Living: Reflecting these economic differences, Jonesboro (Craighead County) has a lower cost of living index of 89.3, compared to Ann Arbor’s 99.5. The lower cost of living in Jonesboro can be attributed to more affordable housing and general expenses in a smaller city.
- Unemployment Rate: As of July 2024, Jonesboro has a lower unemployment rate of 3.4% compared to Ann Arbor’s 4.8%. This could be due to different economic structures, with Jonesboro benefiting from a smaller job market.
Education and Research: Comparing Academic Strengths
Both cities take pride in their universities, but their academic offerings and strengths differ:
- Educational Attainment: Ann Arbor boasts a highly educated population, with 77.5% of residents aged 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. In contrast, only 30.7% of Jonesboro’s residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- University Enrollment and Graduates: The University of Michigan is significantly larger than Arkansas State in terms of enrollment, with 51,225 students in Fall 2022 compared to ASU’s 13,190. Michigan also leads in the number of graduates, with 16,132 compared to ASU’s 4,881 for the 2022-2023 academic year.
- Research and Development (R&D) Expenditures: There is a stark difference in research capabilities, with Michigan spending $1.77 billion on R&D in 2022 (ranked #4 nationally), while Arkansas State spent only $8.2 million (ranked #369). This highlights Michigan’s role as a major research institution, driving innovation and technological advancement.
Michigan vs. Arkansas State Matchups
This weekend’s game marks the first-ever meeting between the Michigan Wolverines and the Arkansas State Red Wolves. With Michigan hosting their homecoming game, there is sure to be a lively atmosphere at Michigan Stadium as fans celebrate both the homecoming festivities and the unique challenge of facing an unfamiliar opponent.
Looking Ahead
As we prepare for this weekend’s game, it’s not just about football but also about the communities these universities represent. Ann Arbor, with its tech-driven economy, world-class research, and high educational attainment, continues to be a hub of innovation and culture. Meanwhile, Jonesboro, with its smaller size and affordable living, represents a different type of college town—one that offers a close-knit community atmosphere and opportunities for growth.
Want to Learn More?
If you’re interested in discovering more about what makes Ann Arbor a thriving community, our business development team at SPARK is here to help. We can connect you with detailed data, resources, and insights about the region to support your business decisions or relocation plans. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in tapping into the opportunities that Ann Arbor has to offer.
In case you missed it, here are links to the regional comparisons we’ve posted so far this season:
Game 1: Ann Arbor vs. Fresno, CA
Game 2: Ann Arbor vs. Austin, TX
