Desha County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 58th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Desha County, Arkansas is 11,041 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 58th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $36,064, the median home value is $89,100, and the median age is 41.2.
The population of Desha County has declined 20.3% since 2010 (12,953 → 10,321), a -1.61% annualized rate.
11,041
Population
-1.61%
Annual growth
15
People / sq mi
$36,064
Median Income
$89,100
Median Home Value
Desha County covers 741 sq mi of land at 14.9 people per square mile.
About Desha County, AR
Desha County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 11,041. It ranks #58 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 41.2, older than the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Desha County is $36,064, below the US median of $74,580. 22.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $89,100, with monthly rent averaging $689. The homeownership rate of 60.5% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Desha County reflects 13.0% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 18.3 minutes each way.
Desha County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Desha County had a population of 12,953 in 2010 and 10,321 in 2024, a -20.3% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,953 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.61%.
10,321
Population (2024)
12,953
Population (2010)
12,953
Peak (2010)
-1.61%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,953 |
| 2011 | 12,726 |
| 2012 | 12,586 |
| 2013 | 12,497 |
| 2014 | 12,265 |
| 2015 | 12,024 |
| 2016 | 11,904 |
| 2017 | 11,762 |
| 2018 | 11,516 |
| 2019 | 11,400 |
| 2020 | 11,321 |
| 2021 | 11,048 |
| 2022 | 10,760 |
| 2023 | 10,478 |
| 2024 | 10,321 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 44.9% |
| Black or African American | 48.6% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.2
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
19.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.8% · Seniors (65+): 19.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $36,064$-22,709 vs state |
| Mean household income | $52,920 |
| Per-capita income | $22,848 |
| Poverty rate | 22.5%+11.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Desha County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
85.5%
Public transit
3.1%
Work from home
18.3 min
Avg commute
Housing
$89,100$-86,200 vs state
Median home value
$689
Median rent
60.5%
Homeownership rate
5,812
Total housing units
81.7%
Occupied
18.3%
Vacant
39.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.5%
With health insurance
88.3%
With broadband internet
15.9%
Foreign-born
5.4%
Veterans (18+)
20.8%
With a disability
94.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
77.9%
High School+
13.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Desha County, Arkansas has a population of 11,041 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 58th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 15 people per square mile.
The population of Desha County has declined 20.3% since 2010 (12,953 → 10,321), a -1.61% annualized rate.
The median household income in Desha County, Arkansas is $36,064, with mean (average) household income of $52,920 and per-capita income of $22,848. 22.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Desha County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (48.6%), White (44.9%), Hispanic or Latino (0.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Desha County, Arkansas is 41.2 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Desha County is $89,100 and median monthly rent is $689. 60.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,812 total housing units, 18.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Desha County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Desha 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.