Craighead County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 7th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Craighead County, Arkansas is 112,097 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 7th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $57,615, the median home value is $198,700, and the median age is 34.5.
The population of Craighead County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (96,751 → 115,852), a +1.30% annualized rate.
112,097
Population
+1.30%
Annual growth
159
People / sq mi
$57,615
Median Income
$198,700
Median Home Value
Craighead County covers 707 sq mi of land at 158.5 people per square mile.
About Craighead County, AR
Homeownership is the standout figure in Craighead County: 59.2% of homes are owner-occupied, lower than the national rate. Craighead County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 112,097. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Arkansas in the country, at #7 by population.
Median household income is $57,615, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 13.2%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $198,700, with typical rent around $930.
About 27.8% of adults 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree, below the 35.0% national figure. Just 5.8% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
Craighead County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Craighead County had a population of 96,751 in 2010 and 115,852 in 2024, a 19.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 115,852 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.30%.
115,852
Population (2024)
96,751
Population (2010)
115,852
Peak (2024)
1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 96,751 |
| 2011 | 98,420 |
| 2012 | 100,018 |
| 2013 | 101,682 |
| 2014 | 102,707 |
| 2015 | 104,509 |
| 2016 | 106,039 |
| 2017 | 107,274 |
| 2018 | 109,074 |
| 2019 | 110,772 |
| 2020 | 111,623 |
| 2021 | 111,695 |
| 2022 | 112,828 |
| 2023 | 114,245 |
| 2024 | 115,852 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 73.2% |
| Black or African American | 16.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
34.5
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.0% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $57,615$-1,158 vs state |
| Mean household income | $82,653 |
| Per-capita income | $32,319 |
| Poverty rate | 13.2%+1.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Craighead County is professional & business services, accounting for 28.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
82.9%
Public transit
5.8%
Work from home
19.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$198,700+$23,400 vs state
Median home value
$930
Median rent
59.2%
Homeownership rate
47,983
Total housing units
90.4%
Occupied
9.6%
Vacant
40.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
94.1%
With broadband internet
26.6%
Foreign-born
6.2%
Veterans (18+)
19.0%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.3%
High School+
27.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Craighead County, Arkansas has a population of 112,097 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 7th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 159 people per square mile.
The population of Craighead County has grown 19.7% since 2010 (96,751 → 115,852), a +1.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Craighead County, Arkansas is $57,615, with mean (average) household income of $82,653 and per-capita income of $32,319. 13.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Craighead County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (73.2%), Black or African American (16.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Craighead County, Arkansas is 34.5 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Craighead County is $198,700 and median monthly rent is $930. 59.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 47,983 total housing units, 9.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Craighead County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 28.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Craighead County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Craighead County, AR Climate
Craighead County, AR has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1205 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1205
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 84 mm |
| February | 5° / 42° | 93 mm |
| March | 10° / 51° | 123 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 128 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 130 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 85 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 73 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 79 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 95 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 82 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 120 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 113 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 Craighead County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Craighead County, AR are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Craighead County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.