Phillips County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 49th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Phillips County, Arkansas is 15,910 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $38,874, the median home value is $76,200, and the median age is 39.9.
The population of Phillips County has declined 32.4% since 2010 (21,675 → 14,661), a -2.75% annualized rate.
15,910
Population
-2.75%
Annual growth
23
People / sq mi
$38,874
Median Income
$76,200
Median Home Value
Phillips County covers 690 sq mi of land at 23.0 people per square mile.
About Phillips County, AR
In Phillips County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $76,200. Phillips County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 15,910. It ranks #49 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $38,874, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 25.4%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $76,200, with typical rent around $756.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 14.5% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 4.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Phillips County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Phillips County had a population of 21,675 in 2010 and 14,661 in 2024, a -32.4% growth over 14 years. The peak was 21,675 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -2.74%.
14,661
Population (2024)
21,675
Population (2010)
21,675
Peak (2010)
-2.74%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 21,675 |
| 2011 | 21,407 |
| 2012 | 20,736 |
| 2013 | 20,435 |
| 2014 | 19,952 |
| 2015 | 19,548 |
| 2016 | 19,041 |
| 2017 | 18,607 |
| 2018 | 18,038 |
| 2019 | 17,769 |
| 2020 | 16,441 |
| 2021 | 15,813 |
| 2022 | 15,344 |
| 2023 | 14,991 |
| 2024 | 14,661 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 34.4% |
| Black or African American | 61.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
39.9
Median Age
53.4%
Female
46.6%
Male
20.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 22.2% · Seniors (65+): 20.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $38,874$-19,899 vs state |
| Mean household income | $54,537 |
| Per-capita income | $22,360 |
| Poverty rate | 25.4%+13.9% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Phillips County is professional & business services, accounting for 24.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
1.5%
Carpool
79.9%
Public transit
4.0%
Work from home
21.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$76,200$-99,100 vs state
Median home value
$756
Median rent
54.0%
Homeownership rate
8,386
Total housing units
73.7%
Occupied
26.3%
Vacant
46.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
91.6%
With health insurance
85.1%
With broadband internet
16.5%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
22.3%
With a disability
98.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
82.6%
High School+
14.5%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Phillips County, Arkansas has a population of 15,910 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 23 people per square mile.
The population of Phillips County has declined 32.4% since 2010 (21,675 → 14,661), a -2.75% annualized rate.
The median household income in Phillips County, Arkansas is $38,874, with mean (average) household income of $54,537 and per-capita income of $22,360. 25.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Phillips County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (61.5%), White (34.4%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Phillips County, Arkansas is 39.9 years. Residents are 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
The median home value in Phillips County is $76,200 and median monthly rent is $756. 54.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,386 total housing units, 26.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Phillips County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 24.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 8.0%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Phillips County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Phillips County, AR Climate
Phillips County, AR has an average annual temperature of 16.5°C (62°F) and receives about 1339 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.5°C
Avg Temp
1339
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 101 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 111 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 141 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 134 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 136 mm |
| June | 26° / 78° | 103 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 96 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 71 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 85 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 91 mm |
| November | 11° / 52° | 133 mm |
| December | 7° / 44° | 137 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 Phillips County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Phillips County, AR are typically September, May 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). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Phillips 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.