EXHIBIT 23.1



                         Consent of Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K)
of Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. of our report dated January 10, 2002, included in
the 2001 Annual Report to Shareholders of Bank of the Ozarks, Inc.

We also consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8 No. 333-32173) pertaining to the Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. Stock Option
Plan, (Form S-8 No. 333-74577) pertaining to the Bank of the Ozarks, Inc. 401(k)
Retirement Savings Plan, and (Form S-8 No. 333-32175) pertaining to the Bank of
the Ozarks, Inc. Non-employee Director Stock Option Plan, of our report dated
January 10, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements
incorporated herein by reference in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) of Bank of
the Ozarks, Inc.


                                        /s/ Ernst & Young



Little Rock, Arkansas
March 19, 2002