McGehee, Arkansas Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, McGehee, Arkansas had a total population of 3,666, the 93rd largest city in Arkansas, with a median household income of $36,875, which is 39% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 34.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 39% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (34.0%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
McGehee Quick Facts
How McGehee 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 | 3,744 | 3,666 | -2.1% |
| Median household income | $33,679 | $36,875 | +9.5% |
| Median home value | $93,000 | $98,800 | +6.2% |
How McGehee 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+)
McGehee Rankings in Arkansas
Explore Arkansas Rankings
Other Cities in Desha County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dumas | 3,768 | $34,787 | 33.9% | $84,400 |
| Arkansas City | 456 | $41,900 | 16.7% | $104,700 |
| Mitchellville | 320 | $40,313 | 12.8% | $73,200 |
| Watson | 214 | $30,139 | 21.5% | $48,600 |
| Reed | 156 | $31,125 | 14.7% | N/A |
| Halley | 10 | N/A | 0.0% | N/A |
Cities Similar to McGehee
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dumas | 3,768 | $34,787 | $84,400 | 9.3% | 33.9% |
| Piggott | 3,555 | $44,468 | $115,500 | 12.8% | 21.4% |
| Fordyce | 3,268 | $38,079 | $92,600 | 10.7% | 17.1% |
| Waldron | 3,344 | $33,839 | $105,300 | 7.8% | 19.4% |
| Nashville | 4,063 | $41,142 | $167,600 | 13.0% | 27.3% |
Population Overview
McGehee is a small community located in Arkansas, within Desha County. The total population is 3,666. It ranks as the 93rd most populous out of 614 Census-designated places in Arkansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in McGehee is 36.4 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 38.5 years. With 29.5% of the population under 18, McGehee has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in McGehee is $36,875. This is 39% lower than the state median of $60,773. It is also 54% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 34.0%. This is 112% 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 5.9%. This is 20% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $98,800. Housing costs are 47% lower than the state median of $188,000. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, McGehee is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 46.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% lower than the state average of 66.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in McGehee is Black or African American, making up 48.2% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 41.4%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (48.2% vs 14.6%).
Education
13.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 47% 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 78.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for McGehee, 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 McGehee, Arkansas?
McGehee, Arkansas has a population of 3,666 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in McGehee, AR?
The median household income in McGehee is $36,875, which is 54% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in McGehee, AR?
The poverty rate in McGehee is 34.0%. This means approximately 1,231 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of McGehee, Arkansas?
McGehee's population is 41.4% White, 48.2% Black, 8.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in McGehee, AR?
The median home value in McGehee is $98,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is McGehee, Arkansas?
13.6% of adults (25+) in McGehee hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 6.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.