Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Hempstead County, AR, is experiencing notable demographic challenges, with a negative population growth rate of -1.5% over the past year and a 13-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.05%. The median age is relatively high at 40.4 years, and the county has a significant age dependency ratio of 77, indicating a higher proportion of dependents (both young and elderly) compared to the working-age population. In contrast, counties like Benton and Washington are seeing robust growth, highlighting a regional disparity in demographic trends within Arkansas.
Total Population
20037
Sex Ratio
94.5 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-1.5 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.05 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
77 %
Median Age
40.4 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
18.3 %
Active Aging Index
85.9 %
Old Dependency Rate
32.4 %
Young Dependency Rate
44.6 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Hempstead County, AR, with a total of 7,355 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile compared to other counties in Arkansas. The average household size is 2.67, slightly above the state average of 2.51, while the average family size of 3.47 is significantly higher than the state average of 3.11. However, the county faces challenges, as it has experienced a negative household growth rate of -2.79% over the past year, contrasting with the state’s positive growth rate of 1.14%. Additionally, 36.2% of households include elderly members, indicating a potentially aging population. In comparison to larger counties like Pulaski and Benton, which have higher household counts and growth rates, Hempstead County's declining trend raises concerns about its economic vitality and demographic sustainability.
Total Households
7355
Married-couple Household
3255
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.4 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
-2.79 %
Average Household Size
2.67 p
Average Family Size
3.47 p
Household with Children (%)
29.1 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
36.2 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
28.8 %
Now Married
49.6 %
Widowed
8.5 %
Divorced
13.2 %
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
Hempstead County, AR, exhibits a predominantly White demographic at 56.8%, with a significant 31% Black population, reflecting a diverse racial composition compared to the state average of 72.7% White and 15.1% Black. The county's Hispanic population stands at 13.6%, notably higher than the state average of 8.1%, indicating a growing Hispanic presence. In contrast to national figures, where 65.9% identify as White, Hempstead County's racial diversity is more pronounced, aligning with trends seen in other Arkansas counties like Jefferson, which has a similar racial makeup but a higher percentage of Black residents.
One Race
96.9 %
Two or More Races
3.1 %
Non-White
43.2 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
13.6 %
White
11379
Black
6206
Asian
38
Native American
155
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Hempstead County, AR, shows a notable demographic profile with 93.5% of its population born in the U.S., slightly below the Arkansas state average of 95%. The county has 6.5% of its population born in different countries, which is higher than the state average of 5%. Additionally, 31.8% of residents were not born in the state of residence, indicating a significant influx of individuals from other states. Compared to nearby counties like Pulaski and Benton, Hempstead's foreign-born population is relatively modest, reflecting a unique demographic landscape within Arkansas.
Native US Citizen
11379
Native US Citizen (%)
43.2 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
60.9 %
Born in Other State (%)
31.8 %
Foreign Born (%)
6.5 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
18.8 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
10.4 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
74.3 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
23.1 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
2.6 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
94
Number of Adherents
12677
Adherents (% of Total Population)
63.3 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
59.4 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Hempstead County, AR, shows a modest educational attainment level, with only 15.8% of the population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree, significantly lower than the Arkansas state average of 24.7% and the national average of 34.3%. Over the past decade, this percentage has increased slightly from 14.1%. The median earnings for residents in Hempstead County stand at $37,700, which is below the state median of $41,013 and the national median of $48,747. Additionally, 40.9% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating a focus on technical education, though overall educational attainment remains a challenge for the county.