Elections

Drew County, Arkansas, had approximately 11,000 registered voters in 2022. The county holds general, primary, and special elections, with polling stations in Monticello and six rural precincts. In the 2020 Presidential election, Republicans received 56% and Democrats 41% of the vote. The County Clerk’s office administers elections, with both Democratic and Republican parties active locally. Issues often center on agriculture, education, and road improvements. In 2023, voter turnout was about 50%, highlighting moderate civic engagement. For state and federal elections, polling places are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

County Crime & Safety

Drew County, AR, maintains a moderate crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported around 250 total crimes, with a violent crime rate of 3.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.5 per 1,000 residents. The local sheriff’s department encourages community reporting via online and phone tip lines. Although slightly below the national average, residents are advised to stay vigilant and participate in neighborhood watch programs for enhanced safety.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Drew County, Arkansas, had a population of 17,350. The median age was about 36.2 years, with 23% under 18 and 16% aged 65 or older. Gender was nearly balanced, with 51% female and 49% male. Racially, 62.2% identified as White, 30% as Black or African American, 3.2% as Hispanic or Latino, and 1.5% as Asian, with smaller percentages for other groups.

Education, Employment and Housing

Drew County, Arkansas, has 9 public schools, including Monticello and Drew Central High Schools. The high school graduation rate is approximately 92%, while about 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools on average score 5/10 on state performance metrics. School safety initiatives include SROs and periodic safety drills. The University of Arkansas at Monticello offers adult education, technical, and bachelor’s degree programs, with over 2,600 enrolled students. Advanced Placement (AP) and career-technical programs are available at the high schools to enhance college and career readiness.

As of 2022, Drew County, AR, had an employment rate of roughly 56% among its working-age population, with about 7,300 employed residents. Leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (1,252 jobs), Retail Trade (1,089), and Educational Services (1,021). The most common occupations are Office & Administrative Support (760) and Production (690). About 82.5% of commuters drive alone, with an average commute time of 21.5 minutes. Monticello is the primary employment hub, with most residents working within the county, though 23% commute to neighboring counties.

Drew County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 65%, with median home values around $113,000 and median gross rents near $680. Popular housing types include single-family homes and some multi-family units, particularly in Monticello, the county seat. Neighborhoods such as Rock Springs and Dead Man’s Curve feature both newer and historic properties. The housing market remains stable, with modest value growth of around 3% annually. Property taxes are relatively low, with a typical homeowner paying approximately 0.6% of assessed value per year, resulting in an average annual property tax bill near $700.