Independence County, Arkansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Independence County is located in Arkansas with a total population of 38,120. It is the 20th most populous county out of 75 in Arkansas. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Independence County is 39.0 years. This is 2% higher than the state median of 38.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Independence County is $56,009. This is 5% lower than the state median of $58,773. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 29% lower. The poverty rate stands at 19.6%. This is 23% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.6%. This is 9% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $120,500. Housing costs are 31% lower than the state median of $175,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Independence County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 67.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% higher than the state average of 66.1%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Independence County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 82.9% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 8.7%. The Black or African American population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 14.8%.

Education

16.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 33% 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 87.5%.