Cross County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 46th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Cross County, Arkansas is 16,681 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 46th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $47,012, the median home value is $104,000, and the median age is 40.6.
The population of Cross County has declined 9.4% since 2010 (17,868 → 16,194), a -0.70% annualized rate.
16,681
Population
-0.70%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$47,012
Median Income
$104,000
Median Home Value
Cross County covers 616 sq mi of land at 27.1 people per square mile.
About Cross County, AR
Remote work is unusually rare in Cross County: 3.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. Cross County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 16,681. It ranks #46 among counties in Arkansas by population.
The typical household earns $47,012, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 17.8%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $104,000, with typical rent around $797.
College attainment is 14.8%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
Cross County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cross County had a population of 17,868 in 2010 and 16,194 in 2024, a -9.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,868 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.69%.
16,194
Population (2024)
17,868
Population (2010)
17,868
Peak (2010)
-0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,868 |
| 2011 | 17,813 |
| 2012 | 17,703 |
| 2013 | 17,521 |
| 2014 | 17,180 |
| 2015 | 17,253 |
| 2016 | 17,029 |
| 2017 | 16,792 |
| 2018 | 16,584 |
| 2019 | 16,333 |
| 2020 | 16,801 |
| 2021 | 16,671 |
| 2022 | 16,594 |
| 2023 | 16,453 |
| 2024 | 16,194 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.0% |
| Black or African American | 18.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 7.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.6
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
18.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.0% · Seniors (65+): 18.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,012$-11,761 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,861 |
| Per-capita income | $28,569 |
| Poverty rate | 17.8%+6.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cross County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
83.2%
Public transit
3.0%
Work from home
25.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$104,000$-71,300 vs state
Median home value
$797
Median rent
66.1%
Homeownership rate
7,581
Total housing units
86.1%
Occupied
13.9%
Vacant
33.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
87.9%
With broadband internet
23.8%
Foreign-born
6.9%
Veterans (18+)
18.0%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.4%
High School+
14.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Cross County, Arkansas has a population of 16,681 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 46th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Cross County has declined 9.4% since 2010 (17,868 → 16,194), a -0.70% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cross County, Arkansas is $47,012, with mean (average) household income of $69,861 and per-capita income of $28,569. 17.8% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cross County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.0%), Black or African American (18.4%), Hispanic or Latino (7.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cross County, Arkansas is 40.6 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Cross County is $104,000 and median monthly rent is $797. 66.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 7,581 total housing units, 13.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cross County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Cross County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Cross County, AR Climate
Cross County, AR has an average annual temperature of 15.8°C (60°F) and receives about 1254 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.8°C
Avg Temp
1254
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 86 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 96 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 125 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 134 mm |
| May | 21° / 69° | 132 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 87 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 76 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 82 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 100 mm |
| October | 17° / 62° | 83 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 123 mm |
| December | 5° / 42° | 130 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 Cross County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Cross County, AR are typically September, May 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 -2°C low). April is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cross 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.