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
In Prairie County, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $87,500. Prairie County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 8,162.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,094, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is rare relative to US counties: a poverty rate of just 4.4%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $87,500, with typical rent around $637.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.7%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.6%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 26 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
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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.
Prairie County, AR Climate
Prairie County, AR has an average annual temperature of 16.3°C (61°F) and receives about 1281 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.3°C
Avg Temp
1281
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 39° | 90 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 103 mm |
| March | 11° / 53° | 131 mm |
| April | 16° / 62° | 135 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 133 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 93 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 89 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 77 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 87 mm |
| October | 17° / 63° | 90 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 128 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 125 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 Prairie County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Prairie 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). April is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Prairie County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.