Kensett, Arkansas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Kensett, Arkansas had a total population of 1,937, the 149th largest city in Arkansas, with a median household income of $31,207, which is 49% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 28.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 49% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (28.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 3.1% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
Kensett Quick Facts
How Kensett Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,027 | 1,937 | -4.4% |
| Median household income | $27,839 | $31,207 | +12.1% |
| Median home value | $92,200 | $90,400 | -2.0% |
How Kensett Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 51 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Kensett Rankings in Arkansas
Explore Arkansas Rankings
Other Cities in White County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Searcy | 23,340 | $52,170 | 18.8% | $188,500 |
| Beebe | 8,707 | $59,476 | 15.1% | $158,200 |
| Bald Knob | 2,518 | $48,355 | 16.1% | $142,400 |
| Judsonia | 2,052 | $43,279 | 29.0% | $117,600 |
| Higginson | 1,055 | $76,957 | 13.7% | $132,000 |
| Floyd | 881 | $83,719 | 3.4% | $230,400 |
| Rose Bud | 656 | $54,286 | 11.7% | $151,000 |
| McRae | 623 | $35,132 | 14.4% | $99,400 |
| Bradford | 522 | $33,977 | 30.5% | $89,600 |
| Pangburn | 515 | $31,791 | 24.6% | $112,500 |
Cities Similar to Kensett
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eudora | 1,868 | $28,563 | $57,500 | 12.6% | 28.1% |
| Glenwood | 1,841 | $33,500 | $132,500 | 15.1% | 38.8% |
| Dover | 1,795 | $32,332 | $112,200 | 16.3% | 30.5% |
| Clarendon | 1,820 | $33,818 | $65,900 | 11.7% | 23.9% |
| Gassville | 1,850 | $38,750 | $142,700 | 11.3% | 17.8% |
Population Overview
Kensett is a small community located in Arkansas, within White County. The total population is 1,937. It ranks as the 149th most populous out of 614 Census-designated places in Arkansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Kensett is 36.8 years. This is 4% lower than the state median of 38.5 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Kensett is $31,207. This is 49% lower than the state median of $60,773. It is also 61% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 28.0%. This is 75% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.0%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 5.3%. This is 8% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $90,400. Housing costs are 52% lower than the state median of $188,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Kensett is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 41.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 37% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Kensett is White (non-Hispanic), making up 51.4% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 22.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (22.9% vs 14.6%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (15.8% vs 9.0%).
Education
3.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 88% lower than the state rate of 25.7%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 73.1%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Kensett, Arkansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Arkansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 614 Census-designated places in Arkansas. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kensett, Arkansas?
Kensett, Arkansas has a population of 1,937 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Kensett, AR?
The median household income in Kensett is $31,207, which is 61% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Kensett, AR?
The poverty rate in Kensett is 28.0%. This means approximately 543 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Kensett, Arkansas?
Kensett's population is 51.4% White, 22.9% Black, 15.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Kensett, AR?
The median home value in Kensett is $90,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Kensett, Arkansas?
3.1% of adults (25+) in Kensett hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.