Hempstead County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 34th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Hempstead County, Arkansas is 19,778 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 34th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $47,654, the median home value is $100,200, and the median age is 41.1.
The population of Hempstead County has declined 15.5% since 2010 (22,604 → 19,105), a -1.19% annualized rate.
19,778
Population
-1.19%
Annual growth
27
People / sq mi
$47,654
Median Income
$100,200
Median Home Value
Hempstead County covers 727 sq mi of land at 27.2 people per square mile.
About Hempstead County, AR
Hempstead County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 19,778. It ranks #34 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 41.1, older than the national median. The population is 47.8% male and 52.2% female.
The median household income in Hempstead County is $47,654, below the US median of $74,580. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $100,200, with monthly rent averaging $781. The homeownership rate of 69.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Hempstead County reflects 14.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 2.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 23.5 minutes each way.
Hempstead County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Hempstead County had a population of 22,604 in 2010 and 19,105 in 2024, a -15.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,604 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.18%.
19,105
Population (2024)
22,604
Population (2010)
22,604
Peak (2010)
-1.18%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,604 |
| 2011 | 22,498 |
| 2012 | 22,355 |
| 2013 | 22,434 |
| 2014 | 22,339 |
| 2015 | 22,095 |
| 2016 | 22,047 |
| 2017 | 21,895 |
| 2018 | 21,714 |
| 2019 | 21,568 |
| 2020 | 19,986 |
| 2021 | 19,660 |
| 2022 | 19,469 |
| 2023 | 19,321 |
| 2024 | 19,105 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.5% |
| Black or African American | 29.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.1
Median Age
52.2%
Female
47.8%
Male
18.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.2% · Seniors (65+): 18.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $47,654$-11,119 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,635 |
| Per-capita income | $26,620 |
| Poverty rate | 11.9%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.7% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Hempstead County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
0.4%
Carpool
85.6%
Public transit
2.6%
Work from home
23.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$100,200$-75,100 vs state
Median home value
$781
Median rent
69.6%
Homeownership rate
9,638
Total housing units
77.3%
Occupied
22.7%
Vacant
30.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.9%
With health insurance
85.2%
With broadband internet
32.1%
Foreign-born
6.0%
Veterans (18+)
22.3%
With a disability
89.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
83.4%
High School+
14.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Hempstead County, Arkansas has a population of 19,778 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 34th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 27 people per square mile.
The population of Hempstead County has declined 15.5% since 2010 (22,604 → 19,105), a -1.19% annualized rate.
The median household income in Hempstead County, Arkansas is $47,654, with mean (average) household income of $66,635 and per-capita income of $26,620. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Hempstead County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (55.5%), Black or African American (29.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Hempstead County, Arkansas is 41.1 years. Residents are 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
The median home value in Hempstead County is $100,200 and median monthly rent is $781. 69.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,638 total housing units, 22.7% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Hempstead County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.0%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Hempstead 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.