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
Housing cost is the defining feature of Ashley County: the median home is valued at $88,800. Ashley County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 18,722. It ranks #37 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $44,481, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 17.0%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $88,800, with typical rent around $640.
Ashley County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.2% — below the national 35.0%. Home-based work is uncommon, at 3.0%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 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.