Ashley County

As of the latest data, Ashley County, AR, has a population of approximately 19,062. The racial composition is about 63% White, 33% Black or African American, 1% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. The median age is around 41.5 years. The median household income is roughly $36,082, and the poverty rate is around 24.3%. Housing units number approximately 9,263, with an average household size of 2.53 individuals.

As of the latest data, the median home value in Ashley County, AR is approximately $73,800. About 67% of residents own their homes, while 33% are renters. The median rent price is around $612 per month. The county has a total of roughly 9,500 housing units, with a homeowner vacancy rate of 2.5% and a rental vacancy rate of 10.2%. The median household income stands at approximately $34,000, which influences affordability and housing options in the area.

As of the latest available information, Ashley County, AR, participates in both local and national elections. Key positions up for election typically include county judges, sheriffs, clerks, and other county officials, alongside state and federal representatives.

In the 2022 election cycle:

• For the position of County Judge, the candidates were Jim Hudson (Republican) and Dennis Holland (Democrat).
• For Sheriff, Tommy Sturgeon ran unopposed.

Voter turnout in recent elections showed a participation rate of around 50-60% of registered voters. The county generally leans Republican in federal elections, with Donald Trump receiving 60% of the vote in the 2020 Presidential Election. Local election dynamics can vary greatly, reflecting the specific concerns and demographics of Ashley County’s population. Always check the most up-to-date and specific county resources for the latest candidate lists and election dates.

As of the latest data, Ashley County, AR, exhibits educational attainment levels as follows: about 82.3% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, while 11.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

When compared to national averages, where approximately 88.0% of adults have a high school diploma or equivalent and about 33.1% possess a bachelor's degree or higher, Ashley County falls below these benchmarks. Similarly, when compared to the state of Arkansas, where 86.3% of adults have at least a high school diploma and 23.3% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, Ashley County also lags behind. These statistics highlight the county's educational challenges relative to broader state and national contexts.

As of the latest data, Ashley County, AR, has an employment rate with predominant industries being manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and education. Here are some key figures:

• Total Employment: Approximately 8,000 workers.
• Manufacturing is the leading sector, employing around 30% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5%.
• Agriculture and forestry also represent a notable portion, employing about 15% compared to the national average of 1.7%.
• Education services employ roughly 12%, around the national average of 11.3%.

In comparison to Arkansas and national averages:

• Manufacturing: Ashley County (30%) vs. Arkansas (13%) & U.S. (8.5%).
• Agriculture: Ashley County (15%) vs. Arkansas (2.8%) & U.S. (1.7%).

These figures emphasize the county's reliance on traditional industries, while education maintains a strong, steady presence in the local economy.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Ashley County, Arkansas is approximately $37,000. This is significantly lower than both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Arkansas state median, which stands at roughly $52,100. The lower income levels in Ashley County may reflect a combination of factors such as economic opportunities, educational attainment, and industry presence.

These figures highlight a disparity in income levels, with Ashley County trailing both state and national averages by substantial margins.

Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau
• Bureau of Economic Analysis

According to the latest available data, Ashley County, Arkansas, has a diverse crime landscape. The overall crime rate per 1,000 residents stands at 22.8, which includes both violent and property crimes. Violent crimes, including murder, rape, and aggravated assault, are at 4.0 per 1,000 residents. Property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, are higher at 18.8 per 1,000 residents.

These figures highlight the need for ongoing community efforts to improve safety and reduce crime in the county.