Garland County Public RecordsArkansas

Garland County, AR, has 22 public schools, including 6 high schools, serving around 7,000 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 87%. Around 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety index rates are above state average, with robust safety protocols. The county offers adult education programs through National Park College. Average standardized test scores are near the Arkansas state average. Specialized programs include Advanced Placement, STEM, and vocational training, aiming to enhance college and career readiness.

Garland County, AR, had an unemployment rate of 3.0% as of early 2024. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (19%), retail trade (15%), and accommodation and food services (13%). The leading occupations are office and administrative support (13%) and sales (11%). About 84% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time to work of 22 minutes; roughly 60% work within the county, while the remainder commute to neighboring areas such as Hot Springs Village and Little Rock. Garland County’s labor force participation rate stands at about 56%.

Garland County, AR, has a homeownership rate of around 70%, with median home values at approximately $186,000 in 2023, reflecting a 6% annual increase. Median rent is about $900/month. Housing types include single-family homes, lakefront properties, and condos, particularly in Hot Springs. Popular neighborhoods are Lake Hamilton and Fountain Lake. Property taxes are moderate, averaging 0.56% of home value—about $1,042 annually for a median-priced home. The market remains competitive, driven by retirees and second-home buyers.

Garland County, AR, experienced a crime rate of 51.6 per 1,000 residents in 2022, notably higher than the national median of 26. Crimes reported included 1,239 violent crimes and 4,198 property crimes, according to local law enforcement statistics. The county’s most common offenses were theft and burglary. While the sheriff's office encourages community reporting and prevention programs, recent data shows a slight increase in violent crime by 3% year-over-year. Despite proactive safety measures, Garland County remains above state and national crime averages, emphasizing the need for vigilance and continued public safety efforts.

Garland County, AR, has approximately 66,000 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, with recent presidential turnouts exceeding 60%. Major parties include Republicans and Democrats, with the GOP winning most countywide offices in 2022. Polling locations number around 20, notably at the Garland County Courthouse. Key ballot issues often include local taxes and infrastructure funding. Elections are administered by the Garland County Election Commission, ensuring compliance and transparency. Voter identification is required, and early voting is widely utilized by over 30% of participants.

As of 2023, Garland County, Arkansas has a population of approximately 101,000. The median age is about 46 years, with 21% under 18 and 22% over 65. Females make up 52% and males 48% of the population. Racially, about 82% are White, 10% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 5% Hispanic or Latino. Other races and multiracial individuals comprise the remaining 2%.