Baxter County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Baxter County, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 41,627. The racial composition is predominantly White (96.8%), followed by Hispanic or Latino (2.0%), and smaller percentages of African American (0.5%), Asian (0.4%), and Native American (0.6%). The median household income is around $41,000, with a poverty rate of about 15.2%. The population is slightly older, with a median age of approximately 51.2 years.

As of recent data, Baxter County, AR has a median home value of approximately $150,000. The county's homeownership rate is around 75%, with median monthly housing costs for homeowners with a mortgage at $1,050. For renters, the median monthly rent is about $675. The number of housing units is roughly 18,000, with a vacancy rate of 20%. Residential properties are a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and apartments, reflecting a diverse real estate market in this largely rural area.

As of the latest information available, Baxter County, AR, holds elections for various positions, including federal, state, and local offices. In the 2022 General Elections:

1. Federal Level:

   • U.S. Senate: John Boozman (R) received 65.9%, Natalie James (D) 30.4%
   • U.S. House District 1: Rick Crawford (R)

2. State Level:

   • Governor: Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) won with 63%, Chris Jones (D) 35%
   • State Senate District 17, and House Districts 2 & 5

3. Local Level:

   • County Judge: Mickey D. Pendergrass (R)
   • Sheriff: John Montgomery (R) unopposed

Special elections and primary elections precede general elections, with exact dates and candidate filings subject to change. Voters are encouraged to check the Baxter County Election Commission for the latest information.

As of recent data, in Baxter County, AR, approximately 85% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is slightly below the national average of around 90%. About 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of nearly 35% and the Arkansas state average of about 23%. These figures highlight a gap in higher education attainment between Baxter County and broader averages at both the state and national levels.

As of the latest data, Baxter County, Arkansas has a labor force of approximately 17,000 individuals, with an unemployment rate around 3.5%, roughly aligning with the national average. Key industries in Baxter County include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and manufacturing.

Healthcare is the largest employer, significantly supported by Baxter Regional Medical Center, employing over 1,000 people. Retail trade and manufacturing also play considerable roles, with companies like Ranger Boats and Baxter Healthcare providing substantial employment opportunities.

Comparatively, Arkansas has a similar industrial structure, though with a slightly higher emphasis on agriculture and forestry. Nationally, healthcare and retail are similarly prominent, but there is a broader diversification into technology and professional services.

In summary, Baxter County’s employment landscape mirrors state and national trends but is uniquely tailored to its local industrial strengths.

As of the latest available data, Baxter County, Arkansas, has an average household income of approximately $45,000. This figure is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The national average household income hovers around $68,700, while the state of Arkansas has an average household income of roughly $52,900.

Here is a statistical comparison:

Baxter County's average income falls short of both the state and national averages, indicating economic disparities that may affect residents' overall standard of living and access to resources.

As of the latest available data, Baxter County, AR, generally has a lower crime rate compared to national averages. Here is an overview of crime rates per 1,000 residents:

Baxter County Crime Statistics (per 1,000 residents)

Baxter County maintains a relatively low rate of violent crimes, but property crimes are a bit more common. Efforts are in place to further reduce these numbers and ensure community safety.

Note: The crime rates are derived from recent crime reports and may fluctuate over time. Always refer to the latest local law enforcement data for the most current information.