Lafayette County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 73rd-largest in Arkansas
The population of Lafayette County, Arkansas is 6,211 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 73rd-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $37,237, the median home value is $74,600, and the median age is 48.5.
The population of Lafayette County has declined 21.2% since 2010 (7,638 → 6,015), a -1.69% annualized rate.
6,211
Population
-1.69%
Annual growth
12
People / sq mi
$37,237
Median Income
$74,600
Median Home Value
Lafayette County covers 529 sq mi of land at 11.7 people per square mile.
About Lafayette County, AR
Educational attainment is the headline number in Lafayette County: 9.2% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Lafayette County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 6,211.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $37,237, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 18.6%, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $74,600, with typical rent around $711.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 9.2%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (1.5%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
Lafayette County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Lafayette County had a population of 7,638 in 2010 and 6,015 in 2024, a -21.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 7,638 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.68%.
6,015
Population (2024)
7,638
Population (2010)
7,638
Peak (2010)
-1.68%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 7,638 |
| 2011 | 7,528 |
| 2012 | 7,444 |
| 2013 | 7,279 |
| 2014 | 7,157 |
| 2015 | 7,009 |
| 2016 | 6,895 |
| 2017 | 6,807 |
| 2018 | 6,684 |
| 2019 | 6,656 |
| 2020 | 6,295 |
| 2021 | 6,154 |
| 2022 | 6,136 |
| 2023 | 6,082 |
| 2024 | 6,015 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.7% |
| Black or African American | 35.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.5
Median Age
48.5%
Female
51.5%
Male
25.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.5% · Seniors (65+): 25.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $37,237$-21,536 vs state |
| Mean household income | $51,942 |
| Per-capita income | $22,393 |
| Poverty rate | 18.6%+7.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 40.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.1% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.3%
Carpool
84.3%
Public transit
1.5%
Work from home
28.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$74,600$-100,700 vs state
Median home value
$711
Median rent
77.2%
Homeownership rate
3,940
Total housing units
65.1%
Occupied
34.9%
Vacant
22.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.4%
With health insurance
85.8%
With broadband internet
39.0%
Foreign-born
8.6%
Veterans (18+)
23.9%
With a disability
97.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
81.6%
High School+
9.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Lafayette County, Arkansas has a population of 6,211 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 73rd-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 12 people per square mile.
The population of Lafayette County has declined 21.2% since 2010 (7,638 → 6,015), a -1.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Lafayette County, Arkansas is $37,237, with mean (average) household income of $51,942 and per-capita income of $22,393. 18.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Lafayette County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.7%), Black or African American (35.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Lafayette County, Arkansas is 48.5 years. Residents are 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
The median home value in Lafayette County is $74,600 and median monthly rent is $711. 77.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 3,940 total housing units, 34.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Lafayette County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.9%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Lafayette County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Lafayette County, AR Climate
Lafayette County, AR has an average annual temperature of 17.3°C (63°F) and receives about 1252 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.3°C
Avg Temp
1252
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 43° | 95 mm |
| February | 9° / 48° | 95 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 118 mm |
| April | 17° / 63° | 109 mm |
| May | 22° / 71° | 119 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 112 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 96 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 84 mm |
| September | 24° / 75° | 90 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 97 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 119 mm |
| December | 8° / 46° | 118 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 Lafayette County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Lafayette County, AR are typically May, September and October, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Lafayette 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.