Ashley County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 37th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Ashley County, Arkansas is 18,722 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 37th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $44,481, the median home value is $88,800, and the median age is 42.7.
The population of Ashley County has declined 17.6% since 2010 (21,832 → 17,984), a -1.38% annualized rate.
18,722
Population
-1.38%
Annual growth
20
People / sq mi
$44,481
Median Income
$88,800
Median Home Value
Ashley County covers 925 sq mi of land at 20.2 people per square mile.
About Ashley County, AR
Ashley County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 18,722. It ranks #37 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 42.7, older than the national median. The population is 47.3% male and 52.7% female.
The median household income in Ashley County is $44,481, below the US median of $74,580. 17.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $88,800, with monthly rent averaging $640. The homeownership rate of 72.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ashley County reflects 12.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 22.7 minutes each way.
Ashley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ashley County had a population of 21,832 in 2010 and 17,984 in 2024, a -17.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,832 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.37%.
17,984
Population (2024)
21,832
Population (2010)
21,832
Peak (2010)
-1.37%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,832 |
| 2011 | 21,678 |
| 2012 | 21,523 |
| 2013 | 21,289 |
| 2014 | 20,974 |
| 2015 | 20,856 |
| 2016 | 20,544 |
| 2017 | 20,333 |
| 2018 | 20,041 |
| 2019 | 19,742 |
| 2020 | 18,963 |
| 2021 | 18,647 |
| 2022 | 18,318 |
| 2023 | 18,232 |
| 2024 | 17,984 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 70.0% |
| Black or African American | 24.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.7
Median Age
52.7%
Female
47.3%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $44,481$-14,292 vs state |
| Mean household income | $60,457 |
| Per-capita income | $24,754 |
| Poverty rate | 17.0%+5.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 43.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ashley County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.8%
Carpool
86.9%
Public transit
3.0%
Work from home
22.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$88,800$-86,500 vs state
Median home value
$640
Median rent
72.1%
Homeownership rate
9,401
Total housing units
76.6%
Occupied
23.4%
Vacant
27.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
84.9%
With broadband internet
31.5%
Foreign-born
5.1%
Veterans (18+)
23.2%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.8%
High School+
12.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ashley County, Arkansas has a population of 18,722 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 37th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 20 people per square mile.
The population of Ashley County has declined 17.6% since 2010 (21,832 → 17,984), a -1.38% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ashley County, Arkansas is $44,481, with mean (average) household income of $60,457 and per-capita income of $24,754. 17.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ashley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (70.0%), Black or African American (24.6%), Hispanic or Latino (0.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ashley County, Arkansas is 42.7 years. Residents are 52.7% female and 47.3% male.
The median home value in Ashley County is $88,800 and median monthly rent is $640. 72.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,401 total housing units, 23.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ashley County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Ashley County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
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Full rankings of Arkansas counties
Statewide data for Arkansas
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Arkansas
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.