Baxter County, Arkansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Baxter County is located in Arkansas with a total population of 42,150. It is the 17th most populous county out of 75 in Arkansas. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Baxter County is 51.9 years. This is 35% higher than the state median of 38.4 years. 14.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Baxter County is $48,427. This is 18% lower than the state median of $58,773. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 38% lower. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.0%. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 10% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $165,400. Housing costs are 6% lower than the state median of $175,300. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 75.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 13% higher than the state average of 66.1%.

Race & Ethnicity

Baxter County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.6% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.7%. The Black or African American population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 14.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.7%) is well below the state average of 8.8%. The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

18.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 25.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.4%.