Ouachita County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 29th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Ouachita County, Arkansas is 22,317 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 29th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $49,838, the median home value is $99,600, and the median age is 44.0.
The population of Ouachita County has declined 16.8% since 2010 (26,048 → 21,684), a -1.30% annualized rate.
22,317
Population
-1.30%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$49,838
Median Income
$99,600
Median Home Value
Ouachita County covers 733 sq mi of land at 30.5 people per square mile.
About Ouachita County, AR
In Ouachita County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $99,600. Ouachita County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 22,317. It ranks #29 among counties in Arkansas by population.
The typical household earns $49,838, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 12.2%, close to the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $99,600, with typical rent around $714.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.1% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 3.7% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Ouachita County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ouachita County had a population of 26,048 in 2010 and 21,684 in 2024, a -16.8% growth over 14 years. The peak was 26,048 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.30%.
21,684
Population (2024)
26,048
Population (2010)
26,048
Peak (2010)
-1.30%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 26,048 |
| 2011 | 25,738 |
| 2012 | 25,405 |
| 2013 | 24,957 |
| 2014 | 24,767 |
| 2015 | 24,324 |
| 2016 | 24,021 |
| 2017 | 23,820 |
| 2018 | 23,605 |
| 2019 | 23,372 |
| 2020 | 22,617 |
| 2021 | 22,319 |
| 2022 | 22,010 |
| 2023 | 21,793 |
| 2024 | 21,684 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 55.2% |
| Black or African American | 41.0% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.5% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
44.0
Median Age
51.8%
Female
48.2%
Male
21.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.2% · Seniors (65+): 21.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,838$-8,935 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,323 |
| Per-capita income | $26,339 |
| Poverty rate | 12.2%+0.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 47.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ouachita County is manufacturing, accounting for 26.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.4%
Carpool
86.8%
Public transit
3.7%
Work from home
21.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$99,600$-75,700 vs state
Median home value
$714
Median rent
71.2%
Homeownership rate
11,870
Total housing units
72.4%
Occupied
27.6%
Vacant
28.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
87.0%
With broadband internet
27.0%
Foreign-born
8.3%
Veterans (18+)
26.0%
With a disability
98.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.9%
High School+
15.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ouachita County, Arkansas has a population of 22,317 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 29th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Ouachita County has declined 16.8% since 2010 (26,048 → 21,684), a -1.30% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ouachita County, Arkansas is $49,838, with mean (average) household income of $63,323 and per-capita income of $26,339. 12.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ouachita County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (55.2%), Black or African American (41.0%), Hispanic or Latino (1.5%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ouachita County, Arkansas is 44.0 years. Residents are 51.8% female and 48.2% male.
The median home value in Ouachita County is $99,600 and median monthly rent is $714. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 11,870 total housing units, 27.6% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ouachita County, Arkansas is manufacturing, employing 26.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Ouachita County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Ouachita County, AR Climate
Ouachita County, AR has an average annual temperature of 17°C (63°F) and receives about 1317 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17°C
Avg Temp
1317
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 99 mm |
| February | 8° / 47° | 106 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 129 mm |
| April | 17° / 63° | 114 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 129 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 106 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 101 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 82 mm |
| September | 23° / 74° | 100 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 99 mm |
| November | 12° / 53° | 126 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 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 Ouachita County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Ouachita 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). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ouachita County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.