Prairie County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 67th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Prairie County, Arkansas is 8,162 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 67th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $51,094, the median home value is $87,500, and the median age is 45.8.
The population of Prairie County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (8,726 → 7,935), a -0.68% annualized rate.
8,162
Population
-0.68%
Annual growth
13
People / sq mi
$51,094
Median Income
$87,500
Median Home Value
Prairie County covers 648 sq mi of land at 12.6 people per square mile.
About Prairie County, AR
Prairie County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 8,162. It ranks #67 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 45.8, older than the national median. The population is 50.4% male and 49.6% female.
The median household income in Prairie County is $51,094, below the US median of $74,580. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $87,500, with monthly rent averaging $637. The homeownership rate of 76.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Prairie County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.6% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.4 minutes each way.
Prairie County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Prairie County had a population of 8,726 in 2010 and 7,935 in 2024, a -9.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,726 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.67%.
7,935
Population (2024)
8,726
Population (2010)
8,726
Peak (2010)
-0.67%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,726 |
| 2011 | 8,604 |
| 2012 | 8,488 |
| 2013 | 8,381 |
| 2014 | 8,355 |
| 2015 | 8,311 |
| 2016 | 8,267 |
| 2017 | 8,263 |
| 2018 | 8,100 |
| 2019 | 8,093 |
| 2020 | 8,247 |
| 2021 | 8,086 |
| 2022 | 8,038 |
| 2023 | 8,012 |
| 2024 | 7,935 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 10.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
45.8
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
23.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 23.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,094$-7,679 vs state |
| Mean household income | $75,028 |
| Per-capita income | $31,979 |
| Poverty rate | 4.4%-7.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 52.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Prairie County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.8% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.8%
Carpool
85.4%
Public transit
3.6%
Work from home
26.4 min
Avg commute
Housing
$87,500$-87,800 vs state
Median home value
$637
Median rent
76.1%
Homeownership rate
4,093
Total housing units
79.7%
Occupied
20.3%
Vacant
23.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.0%
With health insurance
87.9%
With broadband internet
18.9%
Foreign-born
8.2%
Veterans (18+)
21.8%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.9%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Prairie County, Arkansas has a population of 8,162 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 67th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 13 people per square mile.
The population of Prairie County has declined 9.1% since 2010 (8,726 → 7,935), a -0.68% annualized rate.
The median household income in Prairie County, Arkansas is $51,094, with mean (average) household income of $75,028 and per-capita income of $31,979. 4.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Prairie County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.7%), Black or African American (10.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Prairie County, Arkansas is 45.8 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Prairie County is $87,500 and median monthly rent is $637. 76.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,093 total housing units, 20.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Prairie County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.8% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Prairie County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
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Full rankings of Arkansas counties
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.