Sharp County, Arkansas Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Sharp County is located in Arkansas with a total population of 17,597. It is the 39th most populous county out of 75 in Arkansas. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Sharp County is 47.5 years. This is 24% higher than the state median of 38.4 years. 10.8% 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 Sharp County is $42,950. This is 27% lower than the state median of $58,773. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 45% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%. This is 8% higher than the state poverty rate of 16.0%. The unemployment rate is 6.5%. This is 28% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $94,600. Housing costs are 46% lower than the state median of $175,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.2x, Sharp County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 20% higher than the state average of 66.1%.

Race & Ethnicity

Sharp County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 91.3% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.3%. The Black or African American population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 14.8%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.3%) is well below the state average of 8.8%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 1.5%.

Education

11.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% 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 85.4%.