El Dorado is the population, cultural and business center of south central Arkansas.

During World War II, it became a center of the chemical industry, which still plays a part in the economy, as do oil and timber.

The lowest point in the state is found on the Ouachita River in the West Gulf Coastal Plain of Arkansas.

[17] El Dorado is located in the humid subtropical zone (Köppen climate classification: Cfa).

It has featured musical acts, entertainment shows, school productions, dance recitals and was formerly the location of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, which was founded in 1956.

[30] The El Dorado Conference Center is a 50,764-square-foot (4,716.1 m2) multi-purpose facility opened in 2011, which features an assembly hall main hall, small meeting rooms, the student services for South Arkansas College, and bookstore, and café.

[citation needed] The "SouthArk Outdoor Expo occurs in September[34] with activities for anglers, hunters, children, and families.

[35] Winter events include the "Festival of Lights" and the "largest Christmas parade in Arkansas".

[41] More than 400 teachers and administrators work to meet the needs of all students regardless of age, ability, or background.

[43] There are five elementary schools in the district, divided into academies (K-4) and 1 (K-6): South Arkansas Community College (SouthArk), is a public two-year institution providing educational programs, services, and resources for students.

SouthArk offers degrees and certificates in health sciences, industrial technologies, liberal arts, and business.

Television stations serving El Dorado include: KTVE (NBC), KETZ (PBS), K20OC (CBS-HD), KTVE-HD (NBC-HD), K20OC (CBS), KETZ-DT (AETN/PBS), KTBS (ABC), KNOE (CBS), KARD (FOX), and KMLU (MeTV).

South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field services private aircraft and one commercial carrier,[46] and El Dorado Downtown Airport services local industries, and offers hangar space to small private planes.

The city and surrounding area is served by the Medical Center of South Arkansas, MCSA, accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, is a general acute-care hospital licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health.