County Crime & Safety

Cross County, AR, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reports a violent crime rate of approximately 420 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 2,150 per 100,000. Law enforcement agencies encourage active community reporting, which has improved response times and case resolution rates. While property crimes, including burglary and theft, are more prevalent, overall safety has steadily improved in recent years due to increased policing efforts and public safety initiatives. Regular reporting helps maintain accurate crime statistics and enhances community vigilance.

Elections

Cross County, Arkansas, has around 10,000 residents, with approximately 6,500 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds primary, general, and special elections; in the 2020 presidential election, voter turnout was 57%. Republican and Democratic parties are most active, with recent results favoring Republicans—Trump received 72% of the 2020 vote. Major issues include local economic development and education funding. Polling locations include Wynne, the county seat. Elections are administered by the Cross County Election Commission, ensuring compliance with state guidelines and transparency in process.

Education, Employment and Housing

Cross County, AR hosts several schools, including Cross County High School, serving its small population. The county’s high school graduation rate is approximately 83%, while roughly 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are about 4 public schools in the county. School safety scores are average, with no major incidents reported in recent years. Educational programs offer basic and vocational courses, with limited advanced placement options. Adult education opportunities, such as GED and career training, are available through local community initiatives. Test scores generally fall slightly below state averages.

As of 2023, Cross County, AR, has an employment rate of approximately 53.2%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (17.3%), Manufacturing (15%), and Retail Trade (12%). Major occupation types include Production (14%), Office & Administrative Support (13%), and Sales (10%). Around 86% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Most residents are employed locally, but about 28% commute to neighboring counties, primarily to Crittenden and St. Francis counties.

Cross County, AR, has a homeownership rate of around 67%, with median home values near $95,000 and median rents about $750 per month. Property values have seen modest annual growth of 2-3% recently. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some duplexes and a few apartments in neighborhoods like Wynne and Parkin. The county's property tax rate averages 0.6%, making it relatively affordable. Neighborhoods are generally quiet and family-friendly, with most residents favoring long-term occupancy over renting. Overall, Cross County offers affordable, stable housing options in a rural Arkansas setting.

Demographics

As of 2022, Cross County, AR, has a population of approximately 16,000. The median age is about 41 years. The county is 74% White, 21% Black or African American, and 5% Hispanic or other races. Females comprise 51% and males 49% of the population, reflecting a nearly even gender distribution.