Union County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 19th-largest in Arkansas
The population of Union County, Arkansas is 38,368 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 19th-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $50,221, the median home value is $114,700, and the median age is 41.5.
The population of Union County has declined 11.0% since 2010 (41,570 → 37,008), a -0.83% annualized rate.
38,368
Population
-0.83%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$50,221
Median Income
$114,700
Median Home Value
Union County covers 1,039 sq mi of land at 36.9 people per square mile.
About Union County, AR
The poverty rate is what most separates Union County from the typical county: 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. With 38,368 residents, Union County is a county in Arkansas. It ranks #19 among counties in Arkansas by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $50,221, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.6%, above the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $114,700, with typical rent around $825.
18.9% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Around 6.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 19 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Union County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Union County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Union County had a population of 41,570 in 2010 and 37,008 in 2024, a -11.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 41,570 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.83%.
37,008
Population (2024)
41,570
Population (2010)
41,570
Peak (2010)
-0.83%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 41,570 |
| 2011 | 41,404 |
| 2012 | 40,868 |
| 2013 | 40,619 |
| 2014 | 40,156 |
| 2015 | 40,112 |
| 2016 | 39,920 |
| 2017 | 39,499 |
| 2018 | 39,130 |
| 2019 | 38,677 |
| 2020 | 38,940 |
| 2021 | 38,285 |
| 2022 | 37,858 |
| 2023 | 37,409 |
| 2024 | 37,008 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 62.0% |
| Black or African American | 32.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
41.5
Median Age
51.2%
Female
48.8%
Male
19.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 19.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,221$-8,552 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,494 |
| Per-capita income | $30,968 |
| Poverty rate | 15.6%+4.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Union County is professional & business services, accounting for 23.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
85.0%
Public transit
6.1%
Work from home
19.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$114,700$-60,600 vs state
Median home value
$825
Median rent
72.9%
Homeownership rate
18,663
Total housing units
81.0%
Occupied
19.0%
Vacant
27.1%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.2%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
25.8%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
16.4%
With a disability
95.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
88.0%
High School+
18.9%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Union County, Arkansas has a population of 38,368 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 19th-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Union County has declined 11.0% since 2010 (41,570 → 37,008), a -0.83% annualized rate.
The median household income in Union County, Arkansas is $50,221, with mean (average) household income of $74,494 and per-capita income of $30,968. 15.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Union County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (62.0%), Black or African American (32.4%), Hispanic or Latino (1.2%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Union County, Arkansas is 41.5 years. Residents are 51.2% female and 48.8% male.
The median home value in Union County is $114,700 and median monthly rent is $825. 72.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,663 total housing units, 19.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Union County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 23.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.4%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Union County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
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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.