Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Columbia County, AR, is experiencing a decline in population, with a 13-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.72% and a one-year growth rate of -1%. This trend contrasts sharply with the overall state growth rate of 0.41%. The county has a median age of 35.1, which is younger than the state median of 38.4, indicating a relatively youthful demographic. However, the sex ratio of 93.8 suggests a slight imbalance in gender distribution. With 21% of the population under 18 and 17.2% above 65, Columbia County's age dependency ratio of 61.8 is higher than many neighboring counties, reflecting potential challenges in supporting its aging population.
Total Population
22707
Sex Ratio
93.8 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-1 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.72 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
61.8 %
Median Age
35.1 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
17.2 %
Active Aging Index
97.6 %
Old Dependency Rate
27.8 %
Young Dependency Rate
34 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Columbia County, AR, with a total of 7,826 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile compared to other counties in Arkansas. The county has a higher average household size (2.65) and family size (3.38) than the state averages of 2.51 and 3.11, respectively. However, it faces challenges with a negative household growth rate of -1.94% over the past year, contrasting with the state’s positive growth rate of 1.14%. The proportion of married-couple households (47.8%) is significant, yet lower than in more populous counties like Pulaski and Benton. Additionally, Columbia County has a higher percentage of households with elderly members (35%) compared to many neighboring counties, indicating a potential demographic shift towards an aging population. Overall, while Columbia County maintains larger family units, it struggles with growth, highlighting a need for strategies to attract new residents.
Total Households
7826
Married-couple Household
3751
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.94 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
0.75 %
Average Household Size
2.65 p
Average Family Size
3.38 p
Household with Children (%)
27.7 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
35 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
35.6 %
Now Married
45.9 %
Widowed
7.9 %
Divorced
10.7 %
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
Columbia County, AR, exhibits a notably high single race percentage of 98.2%, significantly above both the state average of 93.3% and the national average of 91.2%. The county's racial composition reveals a substantial 35.6% Black population, which is higher than the state average of 15.1% and aligns closely with the national average of 12.5%. Additionally, the Hispanic population is relatively low at 3%, compared to Arkansas's 8.1%. This demographic profile indicates a predominantly White and Black community, reflecting unique regional characteristics within the broader context of Arkansas and the U.S.
One Race
98.2 %
Two or More Races
1.8 %
Non-White
38.9 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
3 %
White
13877
Black
8082
Asian
104
Native American
104
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Columbia County, AR, exhibits a high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 98.5%, significantly above the national average of 86.3% and the Arkansas state average of 95%. The county's foreign-born population is notably low at just 1.5%, with only 346 individuals, indicating limited diversity compared to other counties like Benton (12%) and Washington (11.4%). Additionally, 68.4% of residents were born in Arkansas, suggesting a strong local population retention. This trend highlights Columbia County's relative homogeneity within the broader context of Arkansas, where some counties show more significant immigrant populations.
Native US Citizen
13877
Native US Citizen (%)
38.9 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
68.4 %
Born in Other State (%)
30 %
Foreign Born (%)
1.5 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
22 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
11.5 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
52.3 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
46.1 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
1.5 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
99
Number of Adherents
18864
Adherents (% of Total Population)
83.1 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
81.5 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Columbia County, AR, shows a notable decline in educational attainment, with only 19% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, down from 20.3% a decade ago. This figure is significantly lower than the Arkansas state average of 24.7% and the national average of 34.3%. The median earnings for residents in Columbia County stand at $37,673, which is below the state median of $41,013 and the national median of $48,747. Additionally, only 36.3% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating potential areas for growth in education and economic development.