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
The poverty rate is what most separates Independence County from the typical county: 15.0% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 38,120 residents, Independence County is a county in Arkansas. It ranks #20 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $56,009, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.0%, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $120,500, with typical rent around $814.
College attainment is 16.9%, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Independence County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
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.
Independence County, AR Climate
Independence County, AR has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1222 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1222
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3° / 37° | 76 mm |
| February | 6° / 42° | 86 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 125 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 121 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 129 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 84 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 87 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 83 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 104 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 91 mm |
| November | 10° / 50° | 122 mm |
| December | 5° / 41° | 114 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 Independence County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Independence County, AR are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near -3°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Independence 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.