Jefferson County

As of the latest available data, Jefferson County, AR has a population of approximately 66,611. The racial composition is around 50% Black or African American, 46% White, and 4% other races, including Hispanic or Latino, Asian, and Native American. The median household income is about $35,227, with a poverty rate near 25%. The median age in the county is approximately 39 years. Population density is about 97 people per square mile. Data may fluctuate slightly with new census updates.

Jefferson County, AR, has a median home value of approximately $85,000. The median household income is around $38,000 annually. Renters comprise nearly 49% of the population, with median rent about $700 per month. Homeownership rate is approximately 51%. The area offers a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and rental units. Housing costs are relatively low compared to national averages, making it an affordable option for many residents.

Jefferson County, AR, features several key elections, including those for County Judge, Sheriff, and various county and city offices. The most recent election information reveals:

1. County Judge Race:

   • Incumbent: Gerald Robinson (D)
   • Challenger: Samuel "Sam" Harris (R)

2. Sheriff Race:

   • Incumbent: Lafayette Woods Jr. (D)
   • Challenger: Freddie Cross (I)

3. Quorum Court Seats:

   • 13 seats, various incumbents, and challengers.

4. Voter Turnout (Most Recent Presidential Year):

   • Approx. 30,000 votes cast out of 46,000 registered voters (65% turnout).

5. City Offices:

   • Pine Bluff Mayor: Shirley Washington (D) vs. Brenda Davis-Jones (I)

6. Special Measures:

   • Tax levies, bonds for schools, and infrastructure improvements.

Local sources, like the county clerk's office and official county website, provide specific and up-to-date candidate lists, polling locations, and detailed election outcomes.

As of recent data, Jefferson County, AR has an educational attainment level with approximately 85% of residents aged 25 and older holding at least a high school diploma. About 16% possess a bachelor's degree or higher.

Comparatively, the national average for high school graduates is around 90%, and for bachelor's degree holders, it is about 35%. Arkansas state averages show approximately 87% of residents with a high school diploma and 24% with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Thus, Jefferson County lags behind both the national and state averages in educational attainment, reflecting a need for enhanced educational initiatives and resources to elevate the community's academic profile.

As of the most recent data, Jefferson County, AR has a labor force participation rate of approximately 55%, below the national average of about 63% and the Arkansas average of 57%. The county's unemployment rate hovers around 5%, slightly above both the national and state averages, which are roughly 4%.

Top industries in Jefferson County include healthcare and social assistance, driven by institutions like Jefferson Regional Medical Center. This is followed by manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services. Agriculture also plays a significant role given the county's rural composition.

Nationally, healthcare and social assistance employ the highest percentage of the workforce, followed by retail trade, and professional and business services. In Arkansas, key industries mirror national trends but with a heavier emphasis on manufacturing and agriculture.

Jefferson County's employment landscape is thus more healthcare and agriculture-oriented relative to national and state averages.

As of recent data, the average household income in Jefferson County, AR is approximately $41,000 annually. This is significantly lower than the national average household income, which is around $68,700. When compared to the state of Arkansas, where the average household income is about $48,952, Jefferson County still falls short.

Jefferson County's lower average income highlights economic challenges in comparison to both state and national levels.

As of the most recent data available, Jefferson County, Arkansas has a crime rate of 46.52 per 1,000 residents annually. The table below shows the types of crimes and their respective rates per 1,000 residents:

These figures indicate a higher prevalence of property crimes compared to violent crimes in the county.