Jefferson County Public RecordsArkansas

As of 2022, Jefferson County, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 65,600. The racial makeup is about 57% Black or African American, 37% White, 3% Hispanic or Latino, and 1% Asian. The median age is 39 years. Females slightly outnumber males, accounting for about 51% of the population. The county shows a relatively balanced age distribution, with around 22% under age 18 and 18% aged 65 or older.

Jefferson County, AR had approximately 43,000 registered voters as of 2022. The county holds general, primary, and runoff elections, with polling locations at over 25 sites, including the Jefferson County Courthouse and local schools. In the 2020 presidential election, Democratic candidates received roughly 65% of the county vote, with Republicans earning about 33%. Major local issues have included economic development and education. Elections are administered by the Jefferson County Election Commission. The major parties are Democratic and Republican, with occasional independent candidates. Voter registration is available online or at county offices.

Jefferson County, AR, has 12 public high schools with a graduation rate of about 83%. Around 16% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 4/10 (GreatSchools). Adult education centers, such as SEARK College, offer GED and job training. School safety measures include resource officers in most schools. Educational programs focus on STEM and career-readiness. While resources are improving, challenges like funding and test scores persist, influencing overall performance.

As of 2022, Jefferson County, AR, had an employment rate of approximately 52%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (22%), manufacturing (16%), and retail trade (13%). Most workers are employed in office and administrative support (14%), healthcare practitioners (11%), and production occupations (10%). About 82% of residents commute by car, with a mean travel time of 18 minutes. While Pine Bluff is the primary employment hub, roughly 12% of workers commute outside the county for jobs.

Jefferson County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 58%, with median home values near $89,000 and median gross rents around $765. Property values have seen modest yearly increases of about 2%. Housing includes single-family homes, some apartments, and older neighborhoods like Watson Chapel and White Hall. Taxes are relatively low, with a median property tax of approximately $660 per year. The rental market is steady, as 42% of residents rent, attracted by affordable prices and a mix of suburban and urban settings within areas like Pine Bluff, the county seat.

Jefferson County, AR, has experienced a higher crime rate than the national average. In 2022, the violent crime rate was approximately 731 per 100,000 residents, while property crime stood at about 3,225 per 100,000. The county seat, Pine Bluff, is a particular hotspot for incidents. Law enforcement encourages public reporting, with more than 1,800 crimes reported in 2022. Despite ongoing safety initiatives, challenges remain in reducing incidents and improving overall community safety.