Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Calhoun County, Arkansas, had a population of 4,739. The median age was approximately 44 years. The gender split was nearly even, with about 50.1% male and 49.9% female. Racially, the county was 76.2% White, 18.3% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, and 1.5% Hispanic or Latino of any race. The remaining population comprised Asian, Pacific Islander, and multiracial individuals.
County Crime & Safety
Calhoun County, AR, reports relatively low crime rates compared to state and national averages. According to recent statistics, the overall crime rate in 2023 was approximately 13.7 incidents per 1,000 residents, with violent crime at 2.8 per 1,000 and property crime at 10.9 per 1,000. Law enforcement agencies actively monitor and report data, contributing to a sense of safety among residents. Regular community policing and crime prevention programs support the low incidence of major offenses. The county's annual crime reports are publicly accessible through the Arkansas Crime Information Center.
Education, Employment and Housing
Calhoun County, Arkansas has around 4 public schools, including Hampton High School, serving approximately 740 students district-wide. About 80% of adults have a high school diploma, but only 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores are below the state median. School safety measures include secure campus access and basic safety drills. Adult education is available through local career centers. Educational programs focus on vocational training and basic literacy, with limited Advanced Placement and gifted education opportunities due to small enrollment.
Calhoun County, AR has an employment rate of approximately 52%, with about 2,100 residents employed. Major industries include manufacturing (22%), education, health, and social services (19%), and retail trade (13%). Occupations are primarily in production, transportation (29%), management, business, science, and arts (24%). Most employees (89%) commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Only about 9% work from home, while the majority work within the county, though some commute to nearby areas such as Ouachita and Union Counties.
Calhoun County, AR, has a homeownership rate of approximately 82%, with a median home value around $85,000 as of 2023. Rental options are limited, with median rents near $680 per month. The housing market remains stable, reflecting gradual value increases. Homes primarily consist of single-family houses within small, close-knit neighborhoods like Hampton and Thornton. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.45% of assessed value, or about $380 annually for median-priced homes. The area offers affordable living amid rural landscapes, appealing to those seeking quiet, small-town life.
Elections
Calhoun County, Arkansas, has approximately 3,600 registered voters as of 2024. Residents participate in local, state, and federal elections, including primaries and general elections; in 2020, 65% voted Republican and 33% Democratic in the presidential race. Polling locations include the courthouse in Hampton and local community centers. Election issues often focus on education and infrastructure. The county clerk’s office administers elections, ensuring compliance and voter access. The Republican and Democratic parties are most active locally, with Republicans holding a majority of county offices. Voter turnout typically ranges from 45% to 60% in major elections.
Popular names
- Mark Hodnett
- Mark Moore
- Brandon Hannegan
- Jerry Robinson
- Jonathan Blann
- Russell Hopper
- Tina Nelson
- William Dunn
- Alex Rucks
- Amanda Strickland
- Amanda Williams
- Andra Hodnett
- Angela Peebles
- Angela Sumler
- Angelina Collins
- Betty Laws
- Bill Blann
- Bobby Miller
- Charlie Gates
- Christopher Evans
- Christopher Green
- Emma Thomas
- Gary Inzer
- Hayward Johnson
- James Carter
- James Turner
- Jeanna Reynolds
- Jeremy Martin
- Jerome Byes
- Jerry Lambert
- Jimmy Strickland
- John Gorman
- John Sartin
- Johnny Smith
- Jonah Phillips
- Keith Evans
- Larry Rinehart
- Lisa Stevens
- Marilyn Davis
- Marilyn Moser
- Mary Smith
- Melvin Junior
- Michael Miller
- Michael Moffett
- Mitzi Sartor
- Othelous Ware
- Patricia Bush
- Paul Blann
- Phylicia Thompson
- Raymond Jones
- Rhonda Williams
- Timothy Bastien
- Adam Parker
- Alaina Crawford
- Allen Newton
- Alyssa Johnston
- Amanda Carter
- Amanda Cook
- Amanda Griffin
- Amanda Jones
Other Counties in Arkansas
- Arkansas
- Ashley
- Baxter
- Benton
- Boone
- Bradley
- Carroll
- Chicot
- Clark
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Cleveland
- Columbia
- Conway
- Craighead
- Crawford
- Crittenden
- Cross
- Dallas
- Desha
- Drew
- Faulkner
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Garland
- Grant
- Greene
- Hempstead
- Hot Spring
- Howard
- Independence
- Izard
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Lafayette
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Lincoln
- Little River
- Logan
- Lonoke
- Madison
- Marion
- Miller
- Mississippi
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Nevada
- Newton