Mississippi County: America’s Steel Powerhouse
Mississippi County is no longer just part of America’s steel story—it’s leading it.
In 2024, our 920-square-mile region produced more than 13% of the nation’s steel, totaling an estimated 9.5 million tons. That makes it the largest steel-producing county in the United States by volume.
What sets Mississippi County apart isn’t just how much steel we make but how efficiently we do it. Five major electric arc furnace mills—Nucor-Yamato, Nucor Steel Arkansas, Big River Steel, Big River Steel 2 and Hybar—are located within 30 miles of one another. Together, they form one of the most systematic, sustainable steelmaking corridors in the country.
Capacity and Innovation
With Hybar’s launch in 2025, our total steel capacity has surpassed 12 million tons a year. Big River Steel’s second mill, known as BR2, is adding another 3 million tons of capacity with advanced AI-powered systems. This growth continues to drive our region’s transformation from farmland into a high-tech industrial center.
Big River Steel was the first mill in the world to earn LEED certification. It is now the first globally to have products certified by ResponsibleSteel™, setting a global standard for sustainable production.
Hybar is also pushing boundaries. Its Osceola facility will produce rebar using 100% recycled scrap and power drawn from a dedicated solar field. The company completed construction in record time and has signaled interest in another billion-dollar investment here in Mississippi County.
Jobs and Local Impact
These mills employ about 5,000 people directly and support roughly 8,000 additional jobs across supporting industries. Local workforce training is led by Arkansas Northeastern College’s Steelmaking Academy, where students can learn job-ready skills in just two weeks.
“Work Here. Live Here.” Builds More Than Homes
Our signature housing initiative, “Work Here. Live Here.,” is keeping talent rooted in the region. The program offers up to $50,000 toward the purchase of a new home or $25,000 for an existing one to employees of participating companies. To date, it has helped more than 160 families buy homes and generated $42 million in new home value across Mississippi County.
Hybar, Big River Steel and 14 other companies have collectively invested $6.4 million in the program. 42% of participants have relocated from out of state, and 60% are first-time homebuyers.
Looking Ahead
While steel remains our economic backbone, we’re preparing for broader growth. The Arkansas Aeroplex is emerging as a logistics and aerospace hub, and the future National Cold War Center and investments in energy and transportation infrastructure signal a long-term vision for regional development.
We’ve proven our leadership in steel. Now, we’re preparing to lead in other sectors shaping the future of American industry.