Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Howard County, AR, is experiencing a decline in population, with a 13-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -0.63% and a one-year growth rate of -0.9%. The median age is 39.7, slightly above the state average of 38.4, indicating a relatively mature population. The county has a high age dependency ratio of 78.6, suggesting a significant proportion of dependents, particularly among the elderly (32.3% over 65). Compared to other counties in Arkansas, Howard County's demographic trends reflect challenges similar to those in counties like Jefferson and Crittenden, which also face population declines.
Total Population
12779
Sex Ratio
91.3 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-0.9 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.63 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
78.6 %
Median Age
39.7 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
18.1 %
Active Aging Index
84.4 %
Old Dependency Rate
32.3 %
Young Dependency Rate
46.3 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Howard County, AR, with a total of 5,224 households, exhibits a modest household growth rate of -0.55% over the past year, contrasting with the state average growth rate of 1.14%. The county's average household size is 2.41, slightly below the state average of 2.51, while its average family size of 3.02 is comparable to the state average of 3.11. Notably, 31.1% of households have children, which is on par with many neighboring counties, but the percentage of households with elderly members (32.9%) is higher than the state average of 31%. In comparison to larger counties like Pulaski and Benton, Howard County's household numbers and growth are significantly lower, indicating a more stable, less dynamic demographic environment. This suggests potential challenges in attracting new residents or economic growth compared to more rapidly growing areas in Arkansas.
Total Households
5224
Married-couple Household
2373
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
0.11 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
-0.55 %
Average Household Size
2.41 p
Average Family Size
3.02 p
Household with Children (%)
31.1 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
32.9 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
24.1 %
Now Married
52.6 %
Widowed
10.1 %
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
Howard County, AR, exhibits a predominantly White demographic, with 64.4% identifying as such, which is lower than the state average of 72.7% and significantly below the national average of 65.9%. Notably, the county has a higher Hispanic population (13.4%) compared to both Arkansas (8.1%) and the national average (18.7%). The Black population in Howard County stands at 21.7%, which is higher than the state average of 15.1% and reflects a more diverse racial composition. Overall, Howard County's demographic profile indicates a unique blend of cultural influences, particularly with its notable Hispanic presence.
One Race
97.5 %
Two or More Races
2.5 %
Non-White
35.6 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
13.4 %
White
8227
Black
2770
Asian
104
Native American
27
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Howard County, AR, shows a notable demographic profile with 90.8% of its population born in the U.S., which is slightly below the Arkansas state average of 95%. The county has a foreign-born population of 9.2%, higher than the state’s 5%, indicating a more diverse demographic compared to many other counties in Arkansas. Additionally, 27% of the foreign-born residents in Howard County are naturalized, which is lower than the state average of 35.5%. This suggests that while Howard County is more diverse, it has a lower rate of naturalization among its foreign-born population compared to the state.
Native US Citizen
8227
Native US Citizen (%)
35.6 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
63 %
Born in Other State (%)
27.3 %
Foreign Born (%)
9.2 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
27 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
7.6 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
86.5 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
12.8 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
0.8 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
62
Number of Adherents
7785
Adherents (% of Total Population)
60.9 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
60.9 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Howard County, AR, shows a modest educational attainment level, with only 15% 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, Howard County's percentage increased slightly from 12%. The median earnings for residents in Howard County stand at $32,669, which is below the state median of $41,013. However, a notable 49.4% of bachelor degree holders in Howard County are enrolled in STEM fields, indicating a strong interest in these areas compared to other counties in the state.