County Crime & Safety

Johnson County, AR, has a crime rate below the national average, with recent statistics showing a violent crime rate of approximately 3.2 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 14.6 per 1,000. Local law enforcement actively reports incidents through the Arkansas State Police Uniform Crime Reporting system, helping maintain transparency. The county recorded under 50 violent crimes and about 210 property crimes in the most recent year. Community policing initiatives and neighborhood watch programs contribute to maintaining safety, and residents generally report high satisfaction with law enforcement responsiveness and local crime prevention efforts.

Elections

Johnson County, AR, counted approximately 14,000 registered voters in 2022. Major elections include primaries, general, and school board elections. The 2020 presidential result saw 73% for the Republican candidate. Polling locations include the Johnson County Courthouse and five select community centers. Key issues include economic development and education funding. Election administration is managed by the Johnson County Election Commission. Political activity is largely dominated by Republicans, who outnumber Democrats roughly 3:1 among registered voters. For more information, voters can consult https://www.jcar.us/elections/ for details and sample ballots.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Johnson County, Arkansas, had a population of 25,749. The median age was 39.3 years, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county was 82.2% White, 1.2% Black or African American, 1.9% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 10.7% from other races; 19.5% identified as Hispanic or Latino. These figures reflect a predominantly White community with a notable Hispanic presence and a relatively balanced gender distribution.

Education, Employment and Housing

Johnson County, AR, features around 16 public schools, including Clarksville High School, with a graduation rate of 85%. Approximately 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county student-teacher ratio averages 14:1, and schools score 5/10 on GreatSchools. Vocational programs and adult education are offered through Arkansas Tech University–Ozark Campus. School safety initiatives include secure entrances and resource officers. Educational programs emphasize STEM and career readiness.

As of 2022, Johnson County, AR, had an employment rate of approximately 53.6%, with a labor force of around 9,300. The largest employment sectors included Manufacturing (23.6%), Health Care & Social Assistance (14.9%), and Retail Trade (11.4%). Major occupation types were Production (17.1%), Office & Administrative Support (10.9%), and Sales (9.2%). About 60% of residents commuted outside the county for work, with an average commute time of 23.8 minutes. Russellville and Clarksville are key employment destinations for local workers.

Johnson County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values around $125,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $700 per month. The housing market is stable, with a slight upward trend in property values over the past year. Housing types are mainly single-family homes, with some mobile homes and small apartment complexes, especially in Clarksville. Neighborhoods are largely rural or semi-rural. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.52% of property value, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to national averages.