A recent mid-year 2024 industrial property update from Palmer Hays suggests that industrial space is still a growing market in Northwest Arkansas, but recent trends show some cooling.
Hays, an industrial and land specialist with Rogers-based Bennett Commercial Real Estate, notes that construction-related companies are the most active in leasing industrial space in the second quarter of 2024.
“Drywall, plumbing, electrical, audio/visual, smaller trades, you name it … they’re signing leases faster than anyone … they try to keep up with the constant flow of new residents and commercial development projects,” he noted.
He said 51.2% of more than 174,000 square feet of industrial space leases in the second quarter was with construction and real estate tenants.
Advertisement
“I’ve not tracked this stat in the past, but I’d venture to say this [is] higher than average,” he wrote.
Hays’ research indicates that industrial space rent is up 5.9% through the year, lower than the 9.7% rise in 2023 and the 11.1% increase in 2022. He believes rents are trending lower because tenants have “more negotiation power.” Part of that power comes from what Hays suggests is a “hypersupply” of flex space combined with “overzealous asking rents.” The price point fluctuation rarely fails to respond to supply and demand realities.
According to Hays, industrial space vacancy is at 3.7%, up from 2% in 2022 but well below historical averages of 7.5%. However, he thinks the rising vacancy percentage will be a headwind for rent rates.
“I believe rents may become somewhat stagnant for a few years as the existing inventory will take a bit of time to lease up,” Hays noted.
The supply-demand relationship may also be reflected in recent deals. In the past 90 days, industrial space sold had an average per-square-foot value of $111.95, below the $112.83 per square foot in the previous 90-day report.
Advertisement
But on the other hand, as there often is with economic variables, Hays suggests overzealous rents help push prices higher for vacant industrial property.
“End users remain the wild card in the current market, consistently placing the highest bids on vacant properties in recent memory. They recognize the value of controlling their own destiny and prefer to secure their own spaces rather than contend with rising rents,” he said.
The Arkansas Court of Appeals released opinions Wednesday. The court’s ruling and the names of the cases are reprinted here. The full opinions and other court proceedings, including per curiam decisions, orders and submissions, can be found on the internet at arcourts.gov.
PROCEEDINGS OF Jan. 7, 2026
CHIEF JUDGE N. MARK KLAPPENBACH
Advertisement
CR-23-821. Kenneth Steward v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Gladwin and Brown, JJ., agree.
JUDGE ROBERT J. GLADWIN
CR-25-24. Bryce Anderson v. State of Arkansas, from Benton County Circuit Court. Affirmed. Virden and Harrison, JJ., agree.
JUDGE CASEY R. TUCKER
CV-24-537. Flywheel Energy Production, LLC v. Van Buren County, Arkansas; and Van Buren County Judge Dale James, in His Official Capacity as Van Buren County Judge, from Van Buren County Circuit Court. Reversed and dismissed. Abramson and Harrison, JJ., agree.
Advertisement
JUDGE WENDY SCHOLTENS WOOD
CV-24-209. LRS South, LLC v. Benton County Solid Waste Management District and the Benton County Solid Waste Management District Board, from Benton County Circuit Court. Reversed and remanded. Hixson and Murphy, JJ., agree.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas continued its offseason roster work by adding a transfer defensive back and securing a future offensive line piece from Texas, addressing both immediate depth and long-term development.
The Razorbacks announced the signing of Georgia State defensive back Tyler Scott, a transfer with multiple years of eligibility remaining, while also landing Carey Clayton, an offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll High School, as part of the 2026 recruiting class.
Scott joins the Hogs after spending the 2025 season at Georgia State, where he appeared in two games and recorded four tackles. He arrives in Fayetteville with three years of eligibility remaining, giving Arkansas flexibility in how he’s developed and used in the secondary.
Advertisement
Before his time at Georgia State, Scott spent two seasons at Auburn. One of those seasons was cut short due to an ACL injury, limiting his opportunity to contribute on the field.
Advertisement
The Razorbacks now provide him with a chance to reset and compete in a defensive back room that continues to evolve.
At 6 feet tall, Scott adds experience to a secondary that has seen significant turnover through the transfer portal. His addition gives the Hogs another option at defensive back as the staff works through spring and fall evaluations.
Advertisement
Clayton strengthens 2026 offensive line class
Arkansas also added a future piece up front with the commitment of Carey Clayton, a 6-foot-3, 270-pound offensive lineman from Southlake Carroll, one of Texas’ most consistent high school programs.
Advertisement
Clayton helped Southlake Carroll complete an undefeated regular season last fall and reach the state semifinals. He enters college football as a consensus three-star prospect, ranked among the top offensive line recruits in Texas.
In addition to Arkansas, Clayton held offers from Air Force, Arkansas State, Florida Atlantic, UAB and UTEP. He ultimately chose the Razorbacks, becoming the 16th commitment in the Hogs’ 2026 recruiting class.
Clayton is ranked around No. 251 nationally and No. 141 in Texas. While not among the highest-rated prospects in the class, his high school experience and physical development make him a long-term project for Arkansas’ offensive line.
Hogs continue roster building
Advertisement
The additions of Scott and Clayton reflect the Hogs’ continued focus on roster balance. Scott becomes the 23rd transfer portal addition this offseason, reinforcing a secondary that has emphasized competition and depth.
Clayton’s commitment adds to a growing 2026 class that prioritizes size and developmental upside, particularly along the offensive line.
Arkansas has steadily worked to build future depth in the trenches while supplementing current needs through the portal.
While neither move is designed to generate immediate headlines, both fit into a broader plan aimed at improving roster stability.
Advertisement
Scott offers experience and flexibility in the defensive backfield, while Clayton provides a long-term option at a position that often requires patience.
Advertisement
As the Razorbacks move through the offseason, these additions help establish depth at key positions and give the coaching staff more options heading into the coming seasons.
Key takeaways
Arkansas added Georgia State transfer defensive back Tyler Scott, who brings experience and remaining eligibility to the secondary.
The Razorbacks signed 2026 Texas offensive lineman Carey Clayton, adding size and long-term depth up front.
The Hogs continue balancing immediate roster needs with long-term development through recruiting and the portal.
John Brummett’s career in news began when he was in high school, as a part-time reporter for the Arkansas Democrat. He moved to the Arkansas Gazette in 1977.
He wrote a political column for the Gazette from 1986 to 1990. He was an editor for the Arkansas Times from 1990 to 1992.
Advertisement
In 1994, his book, “High Wire: From the Back Roads to the Beltway, the Education of Bill Clinton,” was published by Hyperion of New York City. He became a columnist with the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 1994. In 2000, he signed a deal with Donrey Media Group, now known as Stephens Media, and wrote for them for 11 years.
He rejoined Democrat-Gazette as a columnist on Oct. 24, 2011.
