Mississippi County Public RecordsArkansas

Mississippi County, AR had 23,410 registered voters as of 2022. The county conducts primary, general, and special elections, with the 2020 presidential election seeing 10,314 ballots cast—Donald Trump received 67% and Joe Biden 31%. There are 20 polling locations, including Blytheville Community Center. Key issues include economic development and education funding. The County Clerk’s office oversees election administration. The Republican and Democratic parties are active, with Republicans gaining strength in recent cycles. Voter turnout was 44% in the last general election, reflecting moderate participation compared to the state average of 55%.

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Mississippi County, Arkansas, had a population of approximately 40,685. The median age was 35.3 years. Females made up about 51% of the population. Racially, the county was 53% White, 40% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 2% multiracial, with 6% identifying as Hispanic or Latino of any race. This demographic mix reflects a diverse, slightly female-majority community with a relatively young median age.

Mississippi County, AR, hosts around 20 public schools, including several high schools, serving about 6,300 students. The high school graduation rate is approximately 87%. Only about 11% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. School safety initiatives are in place, though some schools report higher-than-average disciplinary incidents. Educational programs include advanced placement (AP), dual enrollment, and vocational training, supporting diverse learning interests. The average school rating hovers near 4/10 per GreatSchools, indicating room for academic improvement and resource investment in both student achievement and adult education opportunities.

As of 2022, Mississippi County, AR, has an employment rate of approximately 53.5% among residents aged 16 and older. The leading employment industries are manufacturing (34%), health care and social assistance (11%), and retail trade (10%). Production occupations employ 23%, while office and administrative support make up 11%. The average commute time is 20.1 minutes, with about 84% of workers commuting by car. Major employment hubs include Blytheville and Osceola, often drawing workers from both within the county and neighboring areas.

Mississippi County, AR, has a homeownership rate of around 60%, with median home values near $100,000 and median gross rents about $730. House prices have remained relatively stable, rising modestly by 2–3% annually. Housing predominantly consists of single-family homes, with some apartments in Blytheville and Osceola neighborhoods. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.6% of assessed value, which translates to roughly $600 per year on a median-priced home. The market offers affordability and diverse housing, attracting both renters and owners across its small towns and cities.

Mississippi County, AR, has a crime rate notably higher than the national average. In 2022, the county reported approximately 4,400 crimes per 100,000 residents, with violent crimes—such as assault and robbery—accounting for around 970 per 100,000. Property crime rates remained elevated at about 3,430 per 100,000 people. Law enforcement agencies encourage residents to report suspicious activities, and increased patrols aim to improve community safety, although challenges persist.