Desha County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Desha County, AR has a population of approximately 11,370. The racial composition includes 49.8% Black or African American, 45.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 1.0% Native American, and 1.9% other races or mixed-race individuals. The county has a median household income of $31,163, and about 29.9% of its population lives below the poverty line. The total area of the county is 820 square miles.

Desha County, AR has a median home value of approximately $65,000. The homeownership rate is around 60%, and the median rent is about $600 per month. The housing market is relatively stable with modest property appreciation. The area features a mix of older, single-family homes and newer constructions. Housing density is low, providing spacious lots and rural living.

Desha County, Arkansas, participates in both federal and state elections. In the 2020 Presidential Election, Desha County had a voter turnout of 57.9%. The county leaned heavily Democratic, with Joe Biden receiving 3,343 votes (67.1%) and Donald Trump receiving 1,628 votes (32.7%).

For local elections, candidates often vary per cycle. In the 2022 mid-term elections, key races included the County Judge and Sheriff positions. The County Judge race saw Democratic candidate Mickey Barker receiving 4,110 votes (72.5%) and Republican candidate Jake Jones getting 1,561 votes (27.5%).

For the 2024 elections, official candidate lists will be released closer to the election date. Voter registration and turnout are pivotal for influencing outcomes. Engage with local election boards or visit Desha County's official website for the most current information and updates on candidates and election logistics.

Desha County, Arkansas, exhibits educational attainment levels below both state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 79.2% of Desha County residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Arkansas state average of 85.8%. Furthermore, about 10.8% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, whereas the national average stands at around 33.1% and the Arkansas state average is roughly 22.4%. These figures highlight a significant educational gap in Desha County in relation to broader state and national educational benchmarks.

As of the most recent data, Desha County, Arkansas, has an unemployment rate of around 5.4%, which is higher than the national average of approximately 3.7% and the state average of about 3.6%. The workforce primarily engages in industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, making up nearly 22% of employment, which is significantly higher than the national average of roughly 1.4% in this sector. Manufacturing also plays a crucial role, employing about 18% of the workforce, compared to the national average of 8.5%. Additionally, educational services, health care, and social assistance sectors together employ about 19% of the county's population. Overall, the county's economy is distinctive for its heavy reliance on agriculture, while service-oriented industries like healthcare align more closely with state and national trends.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Desha County, AR is approximately $35,000. This figure is significantly lower than both the national average and the state average. For context, the median household income in the United States is around $68,700, while Arkansas's state median household income stands at about $48,500.

These figures highlight the economic disparity between Desha County, the state, and the nation.

Desha County, Arkansas, has seen varying crime rates over the years. As of the latest data:

• Violent crime rate: 5.4 per 1,000 residents
• Property crime rate: 18.2 per 1,000 residents

Crime Statistics Table

These values help illustrate the crime landscape in Desha County, allowing for targeted law enforcement and community initiatives.