Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Desha County, AR, is experiencing significant demographic challenges, with a negative population growth rate of -2.1% over the past year and a 13-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.39%. The median age is relatively high at 40.7 years, and the county has a notably high age dependency ratio of 80.2, indicating a larger proportion of dependents (both young and old) compared to the working-age population. In contrast, counties like Benton and Washington are seeing robust growth, highlighting Desha's struggle to retain residents and attract younger demographics, as evidenced by its higher percentage of individuals under 18 (25.3%) and above 65 (19.2%).
Total Population
11285
Sex Ratio
93.5 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-2.1 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.39 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
80.2 %
Median Age
40.7 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
19.2 %
Active Aging Index
92.4 %
Old Dependency Rate
34.6 %
Young Dependency Rate
45.6 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Desha County, AR, with a total of 4,603 households, exhibits a notable decline in household growth, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.17% and a one-year growth rate of -2.5%. This trend contrasts sharply with the overall state of Arkansas, which has a modest household growth rate of 1.14%. The county's average household size is 2.43, slightly below the state average of 2.51, while the average family size aligns closely with the state average of 3.11. Additionally, Desha County has a higher percentage of households with elderly residents (38.8%) compared to many other counties, indicating a potentially aging population. In comparison to larger counties like Pulaski and Benton, Desha County's smaller population and declining growth highlight significant demographic challenges that may impact local economic and social services.
Total Households
4603
Married-couple Household
1632
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.17 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
-2.5 %
Average Household Size
2.43 p
Average Family Size
3.12 p
Household with Children (%)
30.3 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
38.8 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
35.9 %
Now Married
43.7 %
Widowed
9.3 %
Divorced
11.1 %
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
Desha County, AR, exhibits a unique demographic profile compared to both state and national averages. With a single race percentage of 97.1%, it is among the least diverse counties in Arkansas, where the state average is 93.3%. Notably, Desha County has a significant Black population at 47.6%, closely mirroring the national average of 12.5% and the state average of 15.1%. The Hispanic population stands at 6.8%, higher than the state average of 8.1%, indicating a distinct cultural presence. This demographic landscape highlights Desha County's unique position within Arkansas, characterized by a predominantly Black community amidst a predominantly white state.
One Race
97.1 %
Two or More Races
2.9 %
Non-White
52.5 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
6.8 %
White
5365
Black
5376
Asian
25
Native American
8
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Desha County, AR, exhibits a high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 96.7%, slightly above the Arkansas state average of 95%. Notably, 80.6% of its population was born in the state, indicating a strong local demographic. The county's foreign-born population stands at just 3.3%, significantly lower than the national average of 13.7% and the state average of 5%. Among the foreign-born, a majority hail from South America (332 individuals), with minimal representation from Europe and Asia. This suggests a relatively homogenous population compared to more diverse counties like Benton and Washington in Arkansas.
Native US Citizen
5365
Native US Citizen (%)
52.5 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
80.6 %
Born in Other State (%)
16.1 %
Foreign Born (%)
3.3 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
8.9 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
10.5 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
69.7 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
25.4 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
4.8 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
58
Number of Adherents
7598
Adherents (% of Total Population)
67.3 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
66.2 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Desha County, AR, shows a relatively low educational attainment level, with only 13.1% 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%. The county's median earnings of $33,492 also lag behind the state median of $41,013 and the national median of $48,747. Despite a slight increase in bachelor's degree holders over the past decade, the percentage remains one of the lowest in the state, indicating potential challenges in economic development and workforce competitiveness compared to neighboring counties.