Russellville is located in Pope County (of which it is the county seat) east of Fort Smith, between Clarksville and Morrilton along Hwy 64 on the banks of the Arkansas River, near the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge. Also situated between the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains.

The population estimate for July 1, 1998 was 25,340, an increase of 4,080 since 1990.

The City of Russellville was founded in 1834 by P.C.Holledger and named after an English doctor, Thomas Russell in 1842.

Russellville is surrounded by forest-covered mountains, rivers, streams and Lake Dardanelle. Some other popular attractions in the area include: Arkansas Tech University, Arkansas River Valley Arts Center Arkansas River Visitor Center, Arkansas Wine Country Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary, Collectors Gallery, Confederate Mothers Memorial Park Emporium Antiques & Jewelry, Lake Dardanelle State Park, Museum of Prehistory & History and the National Scenic 7 Byway.