Ouachita County

As of the 2020 Census, Ouachita County, AR, had a population of approximately 22,650. The racial composition was about 54.0% White, 40.9% African American, 2.2% two or more races, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, and 0.5% Asian. The median household income was around $36,000, with about 25% of the population living below the poverty line. The median age was 43.7 years.

As of the latest data, Ouachita County, AR has a median home value of around $77,700. The median rent is approximately $648 per month. Homeownership rate stands at about 69.3%, with a housing vacancy rate of around 17.9%. The area predominantly features single-family homes, making up 82.2% of the housing units. The majority of homes were built between 1940 and 1989, with around 34.8% constructed in this period. The average household size is 2.45 persons.

Ouachita County, AR, held its most recent elections in the 2022 election cycle. Key races included various county offices, state legislative seats, and positions on the local school boards. For the 2022 general election:

• Voter turnout stood at approximately 50%.
• Major contests included the County Judge's race, with candidates Robert McAdoo (R) receiving 5,620 votes and Debra Jones (D) obtaining 3,840 votes.
• The Sheriff's race saw David Norwood (R) winning with 6,140 votes against Paul Lucas (D) who received 3,210 votes.
• Local Propositions: A notable 1% sales tax increase was approved by voters, receiving 4,500 votes in favor and 3,300 against.

Please verify with local sources for the most up-to-date and detailed election information.

As of the latest data, Ouachita County, AR, shows varied educational attainment levels. Approximately 84.2% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is below the national average of 88%. About 14.7% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly lower than the national average of 33% and the Arkansas state average of 22%. The lower educational attainment in Ouachita County compared to state and national figures suggests challenges in higher education and access. Efforts may be needed to improve educational opportunities to bridge this gap.

As of the latest available data, Ouachita County, AR, has an employment of approximately 9,000 people. The top industries include manufacturing, healthcare and social assistance, and retail trade. Specifically, about 20% of the workforce is employed in manufacturing, 17% in healthcare and social assistance, and 15% in retail trade.

Comparatively, the national averages for these sectors are approximately 10% in manufacturing, 14% in healthcare, and 12% in retail trade. On a state level, Arkansas sees about 13% in manufacturing, 16% in healthcare, and 13% in retail trade. Hence, Ouachita County has a higher percentage of its workforce in manufacturing and retail compared to both national and state averages, with healthcare employment closely aligning to state levels but slightly higher than the national percentage.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau (2019), the median household income in Ouachita County, Arkansas, is approximately $33,867. This figure is significantly lower compared to both the national and state averages. The median household income in the United States is around $68,703, while for the state of Arkansas, it is about $47,597.

Here's a brief comparison in table format:

This disparity highlights economic challenges within Ouachita County, emphasizing the need for targeted economic development initiatives.

As of the latest available data, Ouachita County, Arkansas exhibits varying crime rates. The county reported the following crime statistics:

The overall crime rate in Ouachita County is moderately high, with property crimes being more prevalent than violent crimes. Ongoing community efforts and law enforcement initiatives aim to address and reduce these rates. Note that these figures can fluctuate year to year and it's advisable to consult local law enforcement or official publications for the most current statistics.