Columbia County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 28th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Columbia County, Arkansas is 22,527 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 28th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $47,363, the median home value is $141,700, and the median age is 34.5.
The population of Columbia County has declined 10.9% since 2010 (24,722 → 22,024), a -0.82% annualized rate.
22,527
Population
-0.82%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$47,363
Median Income
$141,700
Median Home Value
Columbia County covers 766 sq mi of land at 29.4 people per square mile.
About Columbia County, AR
Columbia County skews on age — the median resident is 34.5, younger than the national median. With 22,527 residents, Columbia County is a county in Arkansas. It ranks #28 among counties in Arkansas by population.
The typical household earns $47,363, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 19.1%, is among the steepest of comparable US counties and above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $141,700, with typical rent around $631.
20.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
Columbia County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Columbia County had a population of 24,722 in 2010 and 22,024 in 2024, a -10.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 24,722 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.82%.
22,024
Population (2024)
24,722
Population (2010)
24,722
Peak (2010)
-0.82%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 24,722 |
| 2011 | 24,707 |
| 2012 | 24,408 |
| 2013 | 24,282 |
| 2014 | 24,051 |
| 2015 | 24,118 |
| 2016 | 24,015 |
| 2017 | 23,675 |
| 2018 | 23,582 |
| 2019 | 23,496 |
| 2020 | 22,743 |
| 2021 | 22,470 |
| 2022 | 22,316 |
| 2023 | 22,193 |
| 2024 | 22,024 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 61.2% |
| Black or African American | 34.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.5
Median Age
51.9%
Female
48.1%
Male
17.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,363$-11,410 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,389 |
| Per-capita income | $25,947 |
| Poverty rate | 19.1%+7.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Columbia County is professional & business services, accounting for 32.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.6%
Drive alone
3.6%
Carpool
82.3%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
21.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$141,700$-33,600 vs state
Median home value
$631
Median rent
69.1%
Homeownership rate
11,032
Total housing units
75.8%
Occupied
24.2%
Vacant
30.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
93.4%
With health insurance
88.0%
With broadband internet
27.9%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
19.8%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.5%
High School+
20.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Columbia County, Arkansas has a population of 22,527 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 28th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Columbia County has declined 10.9% since 2010 (24,722 → 22,024), a -0.82% annualized rate.
The median household income in Columbia County, Arkansas is $47,363, with mean (average) household income of $66,389 and per-capita income of $25,947. 19.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Columbia County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (61.2%), Black or African American (34.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Columbia County, Arkansas is 34.5 years. Residents are 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
The median home value in Columbia County is $141,700 and median monthly rent is $631. 69.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,032 total housing units, 24.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Columbia County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 32.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.6%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Columbia County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Columbia County, AR Climate
Columbia County, AR has an average annual temperature of 17.2°C (63°F) and receives about 1301 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.2°C
Avg Temp
1301
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 100 mm |
| February | 9° / 47° | 105 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 126 mm |
| April | 17° / 63° | 111 mm |
| May | 21° / 71° | 125 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 108 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 103 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 84 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 95 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 98 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 122 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 124 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Columbia County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Columbia County, AR are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Columbia County
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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.