Hempstead County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Hempstead County, Arkansas, had a population of 20,065. The racial composition was approximately 57.6% White, 30.2% Black or African American, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 4.1% of two or more races. The median household income was around $36,474, and the poverty rate was about 22.6%. The county covers an area of 741 square miles with Hope serving as the county seat.

As of recent data, Hempstead County, AR, has a median home value of approximately $85,000. Around 65% of the housing units are owner-occupied, while the remaining 35% are rentals. The median rent is about $600 per month. The county has around 10,000 housing units in total, with a vacancy rate of approximately 12%. Home appreciation over the past decade has been around 18%, with a cost of living that is significantly lower than the national average.

As of the most recent update, Hempstead County, Arkansas, participates in state, local, and federal elections. Key electoral races often include positions such as County Judge, Sheriff, and other county officials, alongside state and federal legislative seats.

In the 2022 general elections, notable candidates included:

• County Judge: Jerry Crane (Republican) - Ran unopposed.
• Sheriff: James Singleton (Republican) - Incumbent.

Voter turnout in local elections typically hovers around 50-60%. For example, during the 2020 general elections, Hempstead County had a voter turnout of approximately 60% of its 11,000 registered voters.

For up-to-date information, residents should visit the Hempstead County Clerk's office or their official website for detailed lists of candidates, voter registration requirements, and upcoming election dates.

As of the most recent data, about 78.1% of Hempstead County residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher. This compares to the national average of approximately 88% and the Arkansas state average of about 85%. In terms of higher education, around 13.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of about 32.1% and the Arkansas state average of roughly 23.3%. These figures highlight that Hempstead County lags behind both state and national educational attainment levels.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (2020), American Community Survey.

Hempstead County, AR, has a labor force participation rate of about 54.6% as of recent data, with an unemployment rate of approximately 4.2%. The top industries include manufacturing, retail trade, and education and health services. Manufacturing employs around 26.2% of the workforce, notably higher than the U.S. average of 8.5% and Arkansas' average of 12.9%. Retail trade employs 11.6% of the workforce, comparable to the national average of 11.7% and the state average of 11.8%. The education and health services sectors employ 16.8%, lower than the national average of 23.3% but similar to Arkansas' 22.1%. These figures show that Hempstead County has a higher reliance on manufacturing compared to both state and national levels, and a lower but significant presence in the education and health services sector.

As of recent data, the average household income in Hempstead County, Arkansas, is approximately $39,000 per year.

Income Comparison Table

Compared to the state average of $48,952, Hempstead County's average income is lower. On the national scale, the U.S. average household income stands at $68,703, highlighting a significant gap when compared to both the county and state figures. Hempstead County's average income is about 56.7% of the national average and 79.7% of the Arkansas state average, indicating lower economic status within the region.

As of the most recent data available, Hempstead County, Arkansas has a mixed crime rate. The following statistics provide an overview of crime types per 1,000 residents:

These figures indicate that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in the county. The numbers can vary annually, and it's essential to consult local law enforcement agencies or the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program for the most current data.