Population & Household section gives reader an outlook. of general population profile, structure, and outlook.
Population Trend
Little River County, AR, is experiencing a decline in population, with a 13-year CAGR of -0.74% and a 1-year growth rate of -0.7%, contrasting with the overall state growth rate of 0.4%. The county has a median age of 42.3, which is higher than the state median of 38.4, indicating an aging population. Additionally, the age dependency ratio is notably high at 76.1, suggesting a significant proportion of dependents relative to the working-age population. Compared to neighboring counties, Little River's demographic trends reflect challenges in retaining younger residents and managing an increasing elderly population.
Total Population
12024
Sex Ratio
94.7 %
Population Growth (2021-2022)
-0.7 %
Population CAGR (2010-2022)
-0.74 %
Population Growth Rate (%)
Source: Census.gov
Age Structure
Dependency Rate
76.1 %
Median Age
42.3 y.o.
% of Population > 65 y.o.
21.1 %
Active Aging Index
115 %
Old Dependency Rate
37.1 %
Young Dependency Rate
38.9 %
Age Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Population Structure
Source: Census.gov
Household Status
Little River County, AR, with a total of 4,734 households, exhibits a notable demographic profile compared to other counties in Arkansas. The county has a higher percentage of married-couple households (48%) than the state average (47.5%), but a lower proportion of cohabiting couples (3.8% vs. 5.8%). The average household size is consistent with the state average at 2.5, while the average family size is slightly below the state average of 3.11. However, Little River County faces challenges, as indicated by a negative household growth rate of -0.4% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.1%, suggesting a declining trend in household numbers. This contrasts sharply with more populous counties like Pulaski and Benton, which are experiencing positive growth rates, highlighting potential economic and demographic challenges for Little River County.
Total Households
4734
Married-couple Household
2272
Household CAGR (2010-2022)
-1.1 %
Household Growth (2021-2022)
-0.4 %
Average Household Size
2.5 p
Average Family Size
3.06 p
Household with Children (%)
26.2 %
Household with Elder 65+ (%)
38 %
Household Size
Source: Census.gov
Household Structure
Source: Census.gov
Marriage
Never Married
23 %
Now Married
50.9 %
Widowed
11.3 %
Divorced
14.9 %
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
Little River County, AR, exhibits a demographic profile that reflects both state and national trends, with a single race percentage of 93.6%, slightly below Arkansas's 93.3% and the national average of 91.2%. The county has a notable Hispanic population at 4%, which is lower than the national average of 18.7% and significantly below Arkansas's 8.1%. The racial composition shows a higher percentage of Black residents (18.6%) compared to the state average of 15.1%, indicating a more diverse community relative to other counties in Arkansas. Overall, Little River County's demographics highlight its unique position within the state, balancing a predominantly white population with a significant Black presence.
One Race
93.6 %
Two or More Races
6.4 %
Non-White
27.7 %
Hispanic (Overlapping)
4 %
White
8697
Black
2238
Asian
27
Native American
126
Race Structure (%)
Source: Census.gov
Racial Profile Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Place of Birth
Little River County, AR, exhibits a notably high percentage of U.S.-born residents at 99.3%, significantly surpassing the Arkansas state average of 95% and the national average of 86.3%. However, only 0.7% of its population is foreign-born, indicating a relatively homogenous demographic compared to other Arkansas counties, such as Benton County (12%) and Washington County (11.4%). Additionally, a striking 60.8% of residents were not born in the state, suggesting a high level of in-migration from other states. This trend highlights Little River County's unique demographic profile within Arkansas.
Native US Citizen
8697
Native US Citizen (%)
27.7 %
Born in Arkansas (%)
37.8 %
Born in Other State (%)
60.8 %
Foreign Born (%)
0.7 %
Naturalized (% of Foreign Born)
51.7 %
Place of Birth Changes (2010-2022)
Source: Census.gov
Birthplace Breakdown (Outside of US)
Source: Census.gov
Migration
-
Migration Inflow (% of Population)
14.4 %
From Different County (% of Inflow)
76.1 %
From Different State (% of Inflow)
23.9 %
From Different Country (% of Inflow)
0 %
%
Source: Census.gov
Religion
Number of Congregations
52
Number of Adherents
8059
Adherents (% of Total Population)
67 %
Christian (% of Total Population)
65.6 %
Religion Breakdown
Source: Census.gov
Education Attainment
Little River County, AR, shows a modest educational attainment level, with only 15.9% 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 from 10.6%, indicating a positive trend. The median earnings for residents in Little River County stand at $41,105, which is slightly above the state average of $41,013 but below the national median of $48,747. Additionally, 38.2% of degree holders are enrolled in STEM fields, reflecting a growing interest in these areas.