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
Remote work is unusually rare in Hempstead County: 2.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 19,778 residents, Hempstead County is a county in Arkansas. It ranks #34 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $47,654, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, close to the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $100,200, with typical rent around $781.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 14.6%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (2.6%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 24 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.
Hempstead County, AR Climate
Hempstead County, AR has an average annual temperature of 16.7°C (62°F) and receives about 1333 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.7°C
Avg Temp
1333
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 89 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 96 mm |
| March | 12° / 54° | 125 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 125 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 131 mm |
| June | 25° / 77° | 116 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 104 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 86 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 101 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 104 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 130 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 126 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 Hempstead County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Hempstead County, AR are typically May, September 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 -1°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Hempstead County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.