Chicot County Public RecordsArkansas

Chicot County, Arkansas, has three public school districts, serving about 1,100 students across five schools, including Lakeside High School and Dermott High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 84%, while only around 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Standardized test scores in the county fall below the state average. Adult education and GED programs are offered by Southeast Arkansas College. The schools participate in safety drills and implement state safety protocols. Educational programs include career and technical courses, though advanced placement options are limited compared to the state average.

As of 2023, Chicot County, AR, has an employment rate of around 45.8%, with top industries including agriculture (15.7%), education and health services (22.3%), and retail trade (12.5%). The predominant occupation types are management (18.2%), service (21.1%), and production/transportation (23.5%). About 76% of employed residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 25.4 minutes; most work within the county, though approximately 18% commute to neighboring counties, such as Desha and Ashley. Unemployment remains above the state average, reflecting regional economic challenges.

Chicot County, AR, has a homeownership rate of approximately 60%, with median home values around $65,000 and median gross rents near $600. The property market has seen relatively stable trends, with modest fluctuations in value. Housing types are largely single-family homes, with some multi-family units in Lake Village and Eudora neighborhoods. Property taxes are low, averaging a 0.6% effective rate, or around $390 annually for a median-priced home. The county offers affordable living, with most neighborhoods being quiet and residential, attracting families and retirees alike.

Chicot County, Arkansas, had 7,719 registered voters as of 2022. It conducts primary, general, and special elections, operated by the Chicot County Election Commission. In the 2020 presidential election, 2,740 votes were cast—59% for Democrat Joe Biden and 39% for Republican Donald Trump. Polling locations include the Lake Village Community Center and Dermott Courthouse. Issues include low voter turnout (35.5% in 2020) and access to polling sites. The two main parties are Democratic and Republican. Voter registration is overseen by the County Clerk’s office, ensuring compliance with Arkansas state election laws.

Chicot County, AR, has a crime rate notably higher than the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 7.2 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 4.0. Property crime was also elevated, at about 31.8 per 1,000 people versus the U.S. average of 19. Reporting is primarily handled by local law enforcement agencies. Despite some recent improvements, safety remains a concern for residents, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and ongoing law enforcement efforts.

As of the 2020 Census, Chicot County, Arkansas, had a population of 10,208. The median age was 41.4 years, with 48.2% male and 51.8% female residents. Racially, the county was 53.8% Black or African American, 42.0% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Asian, and 2.2% identifying as two or more races or other groups.