For the third year in a row, USA Today has named Batesville one of the Best Small Towns in the South — and now the community has the opportunity to claim the top spot.
Online voting is open until 11 a.m. March 30. Batesville is one of 11 Southern communities vying for the No. 1 position. Supporters are permitted to vote once per day.
According to a release from the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Batesville has previously been named a Top 25 City by USA Today and earned Best Small Town in the South honors in both 2024 and 2025. The community has also been recognized as a Trendsetter City by Arkansas Business, named one of the Best Places to Raise a Family in Arkansas by HomeSnacks, and selected as a Community of the Year finalist by Community Playmaker in 2025.
The nomination follows a year of reported growth for the city. According to data from the chamber, more than 850,000 people visited the city in 2025. Of those visitors, 39 percent traveled from out of state, representing all 50 states. These out-of-county visitors contributed an estimated $450 million in economic impact to the local economy.
“This honor underscores what we’ve known all along — Batesville is a gem of a community with endless possibilities,” said Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.
The city’s recent infrastructure developments include a $25 million investment in recreation and a $110 million water infrastructure project. City officials stated these projects are funded without tax increases.
Batesville has received several regional designations recently, including being named a “Trendsetter City” by Arkansas Business and “Christmas Capital of Arkansas” by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism.
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh encouraged residents to participate in the contest’s final weeks.
“Being named one of the best small towns in the South is a testament to our residents’ hard work and dedication,” Elumbaugh said. “Every vote counts — let’s bring this honor home.”
Supporters can cast their ballots daily through the USA Today 10Best website at: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/batesville-arkansas/.
Image: Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce
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