Prairie County Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Prairie County, Arkansas has a population of 8,430. The racial makeup is primarily White (77.8%), followed by Black or African American (19.1%), and smaller percentages of other races. The median age is 45.5 years. The population density is about 14.1 people per square mile. The county has 3,689 households, with an average household size of 2.27. Median household income is approximately $44,000, and about 16.9% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Prairie County Housing

As of the latest data, Prairie County, AR has approximately 3,500 housing units. The median home value is around $85,000, and the median rent is about $700 per month. The homeownership rate is roughly 75%, while the vacancy rate stands at about 15%. Housing units predominantly consist of single-family homes. Population density is relatively low, contributing to a rural living environment.

Elections in Prairie County

Prairie County, Arkansas, participates in local, state, and federal elections. The county has approximately 8,000 residents and is divided into various precincts for voting purposes.

In recent elections, Prairie County voters participated in:

  • Presidential Election (2020): Prairie County heavily favored the Republican candidate, Donald Trump, who received about 70% of the vote compared to Democrat Joe Biden's 27%.

  • Gubernatorial Election (2022): Republican Sarah Huckabee Sanders was a notable candidate for Governor of Arkansas, likely enjoying robust support from Prairie County's predominantly Republican electorate.

Local elections include races for positions such as County Judge, Sheriff, and various commissioners. In the most recent local elections:

  • County Judge: Current judge Mike Skarda (Republican).
  • Sheriff: Rick Hickman, running as an incumbent.

Voter turnout rates often hover around 55-60% during major elections. For accurate and updated candidate lists and vote counts, refer to the Prairie County Clerk's Office or the Arkansas Secretary of State website.

How Educated in Prairie County

As of recent data, Prairie County, AR has a lower educational attainment compared to national and state averages. Approximately 83% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, whereas the national average stands at around 88%. For higher education, only about 12% of Prairie County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which is below the Arkansas state average of roughly 22% and significantly lower than the national average of about 33%. These figures suggest that Prairie County trails behind both the state and the nation in terms of educational attainment levels.

Prairie County Employment Rate

Prairie County, Arkansas has an estimated labor force of about 3,000 people, with an unemployment rate around 3.5%, slightly below the national average of 3.9% but above the Arkansas state average of 3.4% as of the latest data.

Key industries in Prairie County include agriculture, manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare. Agriculture is particularly dominant due to the county's rich farmland, making up a significant portion of employment compared to national averages. Manufacturing jobs also hold a larger share in Prairie County relative to both state and national levels, reflecting local industrial facilities. Retail trade and healthcare are also crucial, but less so than in more urbanized regions.

In contrast, the national top industries typically include technology, professional business services, and education, highlighting the rural and agrarian focus of Prairie County compared to broader economic trends.

Average Income in Prairie County

As of recent data, the average household income in Prairie County, Arkansas, is approximately $48,000. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Arkansas is about $52,000, and the national median household income is around $68,700. This indicates that Prairie County falls below both the state and national averages.

Statistics Table:

Region Median Household Income
Prairie County, AR $48,000
Arkansas (Statewide) $52,000
United States $68,700

Prairie County's income levels suggest a relatively lower economic standing compared to broader benchmarks, reflecting regional socioeconomic dynamics.

Prairie County Crime Rates

As of the most recent data, Prairie County, AR has a relatively low crime rate compared to national and state averages. The numbers are based on reports per 100,000 individuals.

Crime Type Rate (Per 100,000)
Violent Crime 250
Property Crime 1,200
Burglary 300
Larceny-Theft 800
Motor Vehicle Theft 100
Assault 150
Robbery 30
Rape 20
Murder 0.5

Note: The data is compiled from local law enforcement reports and is subject to annual variation.