Batesville Nominated for USA Today's 'Best Small Town in the South' for Third Consecutive Year

Online voting is open until March 30 for the community to claim the top spot.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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For the third year in a row, USA Today has named Batesville, Arkansas one of the Best Small Towns in the South, and now the community has the opportunity to claim the number one position through online voting that is open until March 30. Batesville has previously been recognized as a Top 25 City by USA Today and earned Best Small Town in the South honors in both 2024 and 2025.

Why it matters

This nomination underscores Batesville's growing reputation as a desirable small town destination, with the community receiving several regional designations in recent years including being named a 'Trendsetter City' and 'Christmas Capital of Arkansas'. The city has also seen significant infrastructure investments and economic growth, with over 850,000 visitors contributing an estimated $450 million in economic impact in 2025.

The details

Batesville is one of 11 Southern communities vying for the number one spot in USA Today's 'Best Small Town in the South' contest. Supporters are permitted to vote once per day through the USA Today 10Best website until the voting closes at 11 a.m. on March 30. In addition to the USA Today recognition, Batesville has also been 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.

  • Batesville has been named one of the Best Small Towns in the South by USA Today for the third consecutive year in 2026.
  • Online voting for the 'Best Small Town in the South' contest is open until 11 a.m. on March 30, 2026.

The players

Crystal Johnson

CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Rick Elumbaugh

Mayor of Batesville, Arkansas.

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What they’re saying

“This honor underscores what we've known all along — Batesville is a gem of a community with endless possibilities.”

— Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce)

“Being named one of the best small towns in the South is a testament to our residents' hard work and dedication. Every vote counts — let's bring this honor home.”

— Rick Elumbaugh, Mayor of Batesville, Arkansas (Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.