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
What sets Desha County apart is money: median household income runs $36,064, below the US median of $78,538. With 11,041 residents, Desha County is a county in Arkansas.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $36,064, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 22.5%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $89,100, with typical rent around $689.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 13.0%, below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 3.1% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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.
Desha County, AR Climate
Desha County, AR has an average annual temperature of 17.1°C (63°F) and receives about 1324 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.1°C
Avg Temp
1324
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 119 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 114 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 139 mm |
| April | 17° / 63° | 128 mm |
| May | 22° / 71° | 123 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 102 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 100 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 67 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 75 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 88 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 130 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 139 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 Desha County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Desha 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 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Desha 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.