Independence County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 20th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Independence County, Arkansas is 38,120 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 20th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $56,009, the median home value is $120,500, and the median age is 39.0.
The population of Independence County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (36,811 → 38,345), a +0.29% annualized rate.
38,120
Population
+0.29%
Annual growth
50
People / sq mi
$56,009
Median Income
$120,500
Median Home Value
Independence County covers 764 sq mi of land at 49.9 people per square mile.
About Independence County, AR
Independence County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 38,120. It ranks #20 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 39.0, in line with the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Independence County is $56,009, below the US median of $74,580. 15.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $120,500, with monthly rent averaging $814. The homeownership rate of 67.6% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Independence County reflects 16.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.2 minutes each way.
Independence County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Independence County had a population of 36,811 in 2010 and 38,345 in 2024, a 4.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 38,345 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.29%.
38,345
Population (2024)
36,811
Population (2010)
38,345
Peak (2024)
0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,811 |
| 2011 | 36,887 |
| 2012 | 36,961 |
| 2013 | 36,899 |
| 2014 | 37,095 |
| 2015 | 37,055 |
| 2016 | 37,121 |
| 2017 | 37,416 |
| 2018 | 37,799 |
| 2019 | 37,819 |
| 2020 | 37,945 |
| 2021 | 38,034 |
| 2022 | 38,223 |
| 2023 | 38,329 |
| 2024 | 38,345 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.9% |
| Black or African American | 1.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.0
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
17.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 20.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,009$-2,764 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,283 |
| Per-capita income | $30,007 |
| Poverty rate | 15.0%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Independence County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
81.1%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
20.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$120,500$-54,800 vs state
Median home value
$814
Median rent
67.6%
Homeownership rate
16,740
Total housing units
86.7%
Occupied
13.3%
Vacant
32.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.7%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
26.3%
Foreign-born
7.2%
Veterans (18+)
19.7%
With a disability
94.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.5%
High School+
16.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Independence County, Arkansas has a population of 38,120 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 20th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 50 people per square mile.
The population of Independence County has grown 4.2% since 2010 (36,811 → 38,345), a +0.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Independence County, Arkansas is $56,009, with mean (average) household income of $77,283 and per-capita income of $30,007. 15.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Independence County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.9%), Hispanic or Latino (3.2%), Black or African American (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Independence County, Arkansas is 39.0 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Independence County is $120,500 and median monthly rent is $814. 67.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 16,740 total housing units, 13.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Independence County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Independence County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
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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.