Northwest Arkansas first measured its health care system in 2019, identifying it as a $2.7 billion sector of the economy. That work also highlighted a significant gap, with an estimated $1 billion in annual patient outmigration driven largely by limited access to specialty care.
That gap was measured again in 2024, showing meaningful progress. Patient outmigration has been reduced by more than $250 million annually, meaning more care is now being delivered within the region. At the same time, the health care sector has grown significantly, with its economic output nearly doubling between 2018 and 2023. That growth has strengthened health care’s role as a driver of jobs and investment across the region.
These gains reflect targeted action across the region, including expanded services, growth in graduate medical education and stronger coordination among providers and partners. Nearly $2 billion in health care infrastructure investment has been completed or is underway.
