Naming

The city was founded in 1828 when Walter Cauthron, an early explorer of the Arkansas Territory, built a log cabin and store along the Petit Jean River. By some accounts, he intended to name the community as "Bonneville" for friend Benjamin Bonneville, but the spelling and name were later changed. Another theory is that the name was to honor Daniel Boone, a friend of the Logan family for whom the county is named.^[4]

2008 explosion of meat-packing plant

On March 23, 2008, A fire set off multiple explosions at the Cargill Meat Solutions plant in Booneville. According to local authorities the explosions caused an ammonia gas leak that forced 180 people from their homes. There were no reported injuries of the accident. The fire was reportedly started from an accident caused by welders doing repairs on fans in a freezer section. The Cargill Meat plant was the towns largest employer at the time of the explosions.^[5]

Climate

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,809 people, 1,439 households, and 855 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of the census^[11] of 2000, 4,117 people, 1,619 households, and 1,109 families were residing in the city. The population density was 1,010.0 inhabitants per square mile (390.0/km²). The 1,863 housing units averaged 457.0 per square mile (176.3/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.62% White, 0.05% African American, 1.12% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. About 0.87% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 1,619 households, 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were not families. About 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48, and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city, the population was distributed as 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,627, and for a family was $31,012. Males had a median income of $25,238 versus $20,092 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,076. About 13.1% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.0% of those under age 18 and 23.9% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

Highway 23 in downtown Booneville

The city is located at the intersection of Highway 23 (commonly known as the "Pig Trail") and Highway 10. Both routes are designated as Arkansas Scenic Byways near Booneville. Highway 217 also runs north and south from the city.

Rights-of-way for downtown city streets dedicated during the original town plat are wider than in most communities.

Water/wastewater

The city of Booneville owns the Booneville Water Department, which treats and distributes potable water from Lake Booneville to the residents and commercial users of the city in accordance with Arkansas Department of Health regulations.^[13]

The Booneville Water Department also collects and treats wastewater in accordance with a Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued and administrated by the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.^[14] Treated effluent is discharged to Booneville Creek, ultimately draining to the Arkansas River.^[14]