Elections

Izard County, Arkansas, had 7,464 registered voters as of 2022. Elections held include federal, state, county, and local (e.g., school board) races. In the 2020 presidential election, 80.3% voted Republican, 17.5% Democrat. Polling locations include courthouses in Melbourne and satellite sites in Calico Rock and Horseshoe Bend. Election issues often center on taxes, infrastructure, and agriculture. The county election commission and clerk administer elections, following Arkansas law. Major parties are Republican and Democrat; Republicans have dominated recent cycles. Voter turnout in recent general elections averaged about 61%.

Demographics

As of 2020, Izard County, Arkansas, had a population of 13,577. The median age was about 46.5 years, indicating an older population. Females comprise approximately 50.5% and males 49.5%. Racially, the county is predominantly White at 94.4%, with smaller proportions of Black or African American (1.1%), Native American (0.5%), and other races; Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.1%.

County Crime & Safety

Izard County, AR, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2023, the county reported approximately 120 total crimes, with a violent crime rate of 1.6 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 11.7 per 1,000. Law enforcement provides prompt reporting and response, contributing to improved safety. The county’s crime clearance rate stands at 48%, which is slightly above the state average. Regular community programs and patrolling help maintain public safety, making Izard County one of the safer areas in Arkansas.

Education, Employment and Housing

Izard County, AR, features 6 public schools, including Izard County Consolidated High School. Around 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School ratings average 5/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education is supported by Ozarka College, offering vocational and associate programs. Graduation rate is about 83%. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying policies. Programs such as Advanced Placement and technical education are available in the district.

Izard County, Arkansas, has an employment rate of approximately 48.3%, with a labor force of around 5,800 people. Major industries include health care and social assistance (23.2%), retail trade (15.1%), and educational services (11.7%). The most common occupation type is office and administrative support (15.9%), followed by sales (13.4%). About 83.6% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 25 minutes. Most residents work within the county, while a significant portion commute to neighboring counties such as Fulton and Baxter for employment.

Izard County, AR has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values around $102,000 (2022). The median gross rent is approximately $660 per month. Recent years show slight property value increases, though prices remain lower than the state average. Housing stock mostly consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and a few apartment options, clustered in towns like Melbourne and Horseshoe Bend. Property taxes are low, averaging $450–$600 annually for a median-priced home, making Izard County attractive to budget-conscious buyers and retirees.