Williford is a town located in Clay County in the northeastern region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. It is situated near the St. Francis River and is part of the larger Jonesboro–Paragould Combined Statistical Area.
Geography
- Coordinates: approximately 36.376° N latitude, 90.081° W longitude.
- The town encompasses a total area of about 0.43 square miles (1.12 km²), all of which is land, according to data from the United States Census Bureau.
Demographics
- As of the 2020 United States Census, Williford had a population of 71 residents.
- The population density was roughly 165 persons per square mile (64 persons per km²).
History
- The community was established in the early 20th century as a railway stop on the former St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway line.
- The town is named after the Williford family, early settlers who were prominent in the local area.
- Williford was incorporated as a town in 1905.
Government and Infrastructure
- Williford operates under a mayor‑council form of government typical of small Arkansas municipalities.
- The town maintains basic municipal services and is served by the Greene County–St. Francis County school districts for public education.
Transportation
- Arkansas Highway 211 runs through Williford, providing road connections to nearby towns such as Corning to the east and Hoxie to the west.
- The nearest interstate access is via Interstate 40, located approximately 30 miles to the south.
Economy
- The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with surrounding farmland supporting crops such as soybeans, corn, and rice.
- Small‑scale retail and service businesses serve the resident population.
References
- United States Census Bureau, “2020 Census Gazetteer Files.”
- Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, route maps.
- Clay County historical records.