Early settlers found prosperity by growing fruit, including apples and a variety of berries, and raising chickens.

The completion of the St. Louis–San Francisco Railway through the mountains in 1882 further grew the local economy, leading Greenland to incorporate in 1910.

Located immediately south of Fayetteville in the Northwest Arkansas metropolitan statistical area, Greenland has been experiencing a population boom in recent years, as indicated by a 39% growth in population between the 2000 and 2010 censuses, almost exclusively Hispanic.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, extremely humid summers and generally cool to very cold winters depending on elevation.

[8] The nearest intercity bus service is provided by Jefferson Lines in nearby Fayetteville.

[9] Located south of Fayetteville, the city is served by Interstate 49 (I-49) along the western edge and by US Highway 71 (US 71) through central Greenland.

[11] Highway 265 runs in extreme western Greenland as the Butterfield Overland Mail Arkansas Heritage Trail.