Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Ashley County, AR is experiencing significant demographic challenges, with a negative population growth rate of -1.8% over the past year and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.25% over the last 13 years. The median age of 43.1 is higher than the state average of 38.4, indicating an aging population, with 21.1% of residents over 65. The county's sex ratio of 89.6 is notably lower than the state average of 97.7, suggesting a gender imbalance. In contrast, counties like Benton and Washington are seeing robust growth, highlighting Ashley's struggle to retain its population compared to more dynamic regions in Arkansas.
Total Population
19018
Sex Ratio
89.6 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-1.8 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.25 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
77.6 %
Median Age
43.1 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
21.1 %
Active Aging Index
113.3 %
Old Dependency Rate
37.5 %
Young Dependency Rate
40.1 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Ashley County, AR, with a total of 7,194 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile compared to other counties in Arkansas. The county has a higher average family size of 3.52, indicating larger family units, while the average household size stands at 2.62. However, it faces challenges with a negative household growth rate of -0.62% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.76%, suggesting a declining population trend. In contrast, counties like Benton and Pulaski show positive growth rates and larger household totals, reflecting more robust economic conditions. Additionally, Ashley County has a significant percentage of households with elderly residents (36.6%), which may impact local services and community planning. Overall, Ashley County's demographic trends highlight both its unique family structure and the need for strategies to address its population decline.
Total Households
7194
Married-couple Household
3571
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.76 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
-0.62 %
Average Household Size
2.62 p
Average Family Size
3.52 p
Household with Children (%)
23.4 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
36.6 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
24 %
Now Married
52 %
Widowed
10.1 %
Divorced
14 %
Marriage Status
Source: Census.gov
Marriage Status Breakdown
Source: Census.gov | S1201
Cultures
*Culture section contains several components: races, education, marriage and other factors.
Racial Profiiles
Ashley County, AR exhibits a predominantly white demographic, with a single race percentage of 97.2%, which is higher than both the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 91.2%. The county has a notable Hispanic population at 6.1%, which is significantly higher than Arkansas's state average of 8.1%. However, the non-white population is 29.2%, indicating a diverse community, particularly with a substantial Black population at 24.8%. This contrasts with other counties in Arkansas, such as Pulaski County, which has a more balanced racial composition. Overall, Ashley County reflects unique demographic characteristics within the state.
One Race
97.2 %
Two or More Races
2.8 %
Non-White
29.2 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
6.1 %
White
13461
Black
4725
Asian
25
Native American
43
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Ashley County, AR, exhibits a high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 97.7%, slightly above the Arkansas state average of 95%. The county's foreign-born population is relatively small at 2.3%, with a notable 31.7% of residents not born in the state, indicating a significant influx from other states. In comparison to nearby counties like Pulaski and Benton, which have higher percentages of foreign-born residents (5.1% and 12%, respectively), Ashley County's demographic is more homogenous. This trend reflects a broader state pattern, where Arkansas generally has lower foreign-born percentages compared to national figures (13.7%).
Native US Citizen
13461
Native US Citizen (%)
29.2 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
65.8 %
Born in Other State (%)
31.7 %
Foreign Born (%)
2.3 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
28.4 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
7.3 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
24.1 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
74.4 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
1.5 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
97
Number of Adherents
16676
Adherents (% of Total Population)
87.7 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
86.9 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Ashley County, AR, exhibits a notably low educational attainment level, with only 11.6% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, significantly below the Arkansas state average of 24.7% and the national average of 34.3%. Over the past decade, this percentage has slightly declined from 12.2%. The median earnings for residents in Ashley County stand at $38,115, which is lower than the state median of $41,013. Additionally, only 36.2% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating limited engagement in high-demand sectors compared to other counties in Arkansas.