Independence County

As of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Independence County, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 37,000. The racial composition is predominantly White (around 90%), followed by smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (approximately 5%), Black or African American (about 1%), and other racial groups making up the remainder. The median age is roughly 41 years. The county's household median income is approximately $41,000, and around 18% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Independence County, AR has a median home value of approximately $114,300. The median household income is around $37,000. Homeownership rate stands at about 69.7%. The average property tax is relatively low, averaging $584 annually. Recent housing market trends indicate a 2.5% increase in home values over the past year. The rental market sees a median rent of $675 per month. The county offers a mix of suburban and rural living, with an average of 2.5 people per household.

Independence County, AR, conducts elections under the supervision of the Independence County Election Commission. Key elections include federal, state, and local contests. The county has 18 precincts serving its population of approximately 38,000.

In a recent election cycle, notable races included the Independence County Judge election, where Republican candidate Kevin Jeffery received 5,500 votes, defeating Democrat Kenneth Fennell, who garnered 4,200 votes. The Sheriff’s race saw incumbent Shawn Stephens winning with 6,100 votes against challenger David Huff with 3,500 votes.

For federal offices, Independence County voters participated in U.S. House District 1 elections, in which Republican incumbent Rick Crawford received 7,200 votes, while Democrat challenger Monte Hodges obtained 3,300 votes.

Elections also include various local positions such as county clerk and justices of the peace. Voter turnout typically ranges from 45% to 55% in general elections.

For the most accurate and updated information, visit the Independence County Election Commission's official website or contact them directly.

As of the latest data, Independence County, AR has notable educational metrics. About 84.3% of the residents have a high school diploma or higher, which falls below the national average of approximately 90% and the Arkansas state average of around 87.3%. Furthermore, 15.7% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, which is again below the national average of 33% and the state average of around 23.4%. The county hosts various educational institutions, including public schools under the Batesville School District and higher education options such as the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB). Despite being lower than national and state averages, educational initiatives continue to aim for improvement within the county.

Independence County, AR, has an employment rate that reflects its economic landscape. As of recent data, there are approximately 16,000 employed individuals in the county. The top industries include manufacturing, health care, and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. Particularly, the manufacturing sector employs around 25% of the workforce, followed by health care and social assistance (20%), and retail trade (12%).

When compared to state and national averages, Independence County has a higher percentage employed in manufacturing (25% vs. 13% state, 10% national). Conversely, sectors like professional, scientific, and technical services are less represented locally (3%) than state (7%) and national (9%) averages.

This divergence illustrates the county's industrial foundation compared to the more diversified employment distributions seen at the state and national levels.

As of the latest data, the median household income in Independence County, AR, is approximately $42,000. This figure falls below both the state and national averages. In comparison, Arkansas's state median household income is around $48,000, while the national median household income is approximately $68,700.

Income Statistics Table

Independence County’s income levels indicate economic challenges compared to broader state and national contexts, reflecting potential areas for economic development and support.

As of the latest available data, Independence County, Arkansas, has a mixed crime profile with varying rates for different types of crimes. Here is a summary of crime statistics in the county:

The violent crime rate in Independence County stands at about 3.2 per 1,000 residents, while the property crime rate is 14.5 per 1,000 residents. The county sees a relatively higher incidence of larceny-theft compared to burglaries and motor vehicle thefts.

Data accuracy depends on reporting agencies and may be updated periodically. For the most recent information, referring to local law enforcement or crime databases is recommended.