Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Crawford County, AR had a population of 60,133. The median age is approximately 39 years. The gender distribution is nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county is 84.6% White, 2.5% Black or African American, 2.8% Native American, 1.3% Asian, and 7.1% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Other races and multiracial individuals make up the remainder.
County Crime & Safety
Crawford County, AR, has a crime rate slightly above the state average, with a reported overall crime rate of approximately 33.5 incidents per 1,000 residents in 2023. Violent crime—including assault and robbery—accounts for about 4.2 cases per 1,000 people, while property crimes, such as burglary and theft, are higher at roughly 29.3 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively encourages community reporting and crime prevention programs, contributing to stable clearance rates and ongoing efforts to improve public safety.
Elections
Crawford County, Arkansas, had approximately 42,000 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with recent turnout around 48% in the 2022 midterms. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with recent results favoring Republicans (e.g., 72% for GOP governor in 2022). Polling locations include public schools and community centers, totaling around 18 sites. The Crawford County Clerk administers elections. Recent issues include ballot access and absentee voting. Registration requires proof of residency and ID. Local referenda sometimes address tax and infrastructure concerns.
Education, Employment and Housing
Crawford County, AR has around 17 public schools serving grades K-12, including Van Buren High School and Alma High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 89%, while about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average test scores are slightly below the national average, with a GreatSchools rating of 5/10. Adult education programs are offered by Crawford County Adult Education Center. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying programs. The district offers AP, CTE, and special education services to support diverse educational needs.
As of 2023, Crawford County, AR has an employment rate of approximately 58%. The largest industries are manufacturing (19%), health care and social assistance (15%), and retail trade (13%). Major occupation types include production (14%), office/administrative support (13%), and sales (11%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average travel time of 23 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while a notable share commute to Fort Smith and Sebastian County for employment opportunities. Unemployment in the county averages around 3.4%.
Crawford County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 71%, with median home values around $140,000 in 2024. The median rent is approximately $900 per month. The area features a market with steady growth, seeing annual appreciation near 4%. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some apartments and mobile homes. Notable neighborhoods include Van Buren and Alma. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.6% of home value, making the county affordable. The combination of moderate prices and rising values attracts both first-time buyers and renters seeking lower costs.
Popular names
- David Moore
- Amanda Smith
- Gregory Anderson
- Michael Jones
- James Jones
- James Smith
- John Johnson
- John William
- James Brown
- Jennifer Jones
- John Smith
- Michael Brown
- Christopher Smith
- James Moore
- Lee Hackler
- Michael Smith
- Robert Williams
- Amy Wilson
- Charles Jones
- David King
- James Johnson
- Jason Smith
- Lisa Smith
- Michael Johnson
- William Johnson
- Billy Jones
- Christopher Brown
- Christopher Jones
- Cindy Parker
- David Smith
- Elizabeth Jones
- Gary Smith
- Gregory Baker
- Jeffery Brown
- Jennifer Wilson
- John Freeman
- John Jones
- John Williams
- Linda Johnson
- Linda Jones
- Lisa Jones
- Misty Harris
- Patricia Smith
- Rachel Smith
- Rhonda Wheeler
- Robert Cooper
- Robert Johnson
- Scott White
- William Jones
- William White
- Zachary Jones
- Aaron Jones
- Angela Jones
- Anthony Gregory
- Bill Thompson
- Billy Graham
- Billy Thompson
- Bob Redding
- Bobby Brown
- Brandon Wilson
Other Counties in Arkansas
- Arkansas
- Ashley
- Baxter
- Benton
- Boone
- Bradley
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Chicot
- Clark
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Cleveland
- Columbia
- Conway
- Craighead
- 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