Sharp County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 39th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Sharp County, Arkansas is 17,597 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $42,950, the median home value is $94,600, and the median age is 47.5.
The population of Sharp County has grown 5.1% since 2010 (17,244 → 18,130), a +0.36% annualized rate.
17,597
Population
+0.36%
Annual growth
29
People / sq mi
$42,950
Median Income
$94,600
Median Home Value
Sharp County covers 605 sq mi of land at 29.1 people per square mile.
About Sharp County, AR
Sharp County is defined demographically by education — 11.9% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average. With 17,597 residents, Sharp County is a county in Arkansas. It ranks #39 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $42,950, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.0% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $94,600, with typical rent around $648.
Sharp County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 11.9% — below the national 35.0%. Just 5.5% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 27 minutes each way.
Sharp County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Sharp County had a population of 17,244 in 2010 and 18,130 in 2024, a 5.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 18,130 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.36%.
18,130
Population (2024)
17,244
Population (2010)
18,130
Peak (2024)
0.36%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,244 |
| 2011 | 17,264 |
| 2012 | 17,032 |
| 2013 | 17,041 |
| 2014 | 16,821 |
| 2015 | 16,811 |
| 2016 | 17,016 |
| 2017 | 17,146 |
| 2018 | 17,222 |
| 2019 | 17,276 |
| 2020 | 17,315 |
| 2021 | 17,678 |
| 2022 | 17,790 |
| 2023 | 17,954 |
| 2024 | 18,130 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.4% |
| Black or African American | 0.6% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.5
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
25.4%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 25.4%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $42,950$-15,823 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,305 |
| Per-capita income | $26,959 |
| Poverty rate | 12.0%+0.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Sharp County is professional & business services, accounting for 27.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
77.7%
Public transit
5.5%
Work from home
27.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$94,600$-80,700 vs state
Median home value
$648
Median rent
79.6%
Homeownership rate
9,515
Total housing units
71.6%
Occupied
28.4%
Vacant
20.4%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.0%
With health insurance
88.6%
With broadband internet
42.2%
Foreign-born
9.7%
Veterans (18+)
24.3%
With a disability
98.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.4%
High School+
11.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Sharp County, Arkansas has a population of 17,597 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 29 people per square mile.
The population of Sharp County has grown 5.1% since 2010 (17,244 → 18,130), a +0.36% annualized rate.
The median household income in Sharp County, Arkansas is $42,950, with mean (average) household income of $66,305 and per-capita income of $26,959. 12.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Sharp County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.4%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%), Black or African American (0.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Sharp County, Arkansas is 47.5 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Sharp County is $94,600 and median monthly rent is $648. 79.6% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,515 total housing units, 28.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Sharp County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 27.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Sharp County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Sharp County, AR Climate
Sharp County, AR has an average annual temperature of 14.5°C (58°F) and receives about 1178 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.5°C
Avg Temp
1178
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 35° | 74 mm |
| February | 5° / 40° | 82 mm |
| March | 10° / 49° | 122 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 112 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 116 mm |
| June | 24° / 74° | 85 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 83 mm |
| August | 25° / 78° | 85 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 101 mm |
| October | 15° / 60° | 88 mm |
| November | 9° / 48° | 121 mm |
| December | 4° / 39° | 109 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 Sharp County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Sharp County, AR are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near -4°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Sharp 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.