Demographics

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Montgomery County, Arkansas had a population of 8,484. The median age was 49.2 years, with 22.2% under 18 and 26.9% aged 65 or older. Gender distribution was approximately 50.9% male and 49.1% female. The racial makeup was 93.8% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 1.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 3.3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Education, Employment and Housing

Montgomery County, Arkansas, has 4 public schools serving grades K-12, including Mount Ida High School and Caddo Hills High School. The high school graduation rate is approximately 88%, while about 14% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average school ratings range from 5-7/10. The county provides adult education programs through the Arkansas Adult Education network. Schools emphasize safety with regular drills and security protocols. Specialized educational programs include career and technical education (CTE) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses, supporting both college preparation and workforce readiness.

As of 2022, Montgomery County, AR, had an employment-population ratio of approximately 47%, with a labor force participation rate near 48%. Major employment sectors included health care & social assistance (19%), retail trade (14%), and accommodation & food services (13%). The most common occupations were office & administrative support (13%), food preparation & serving (13%), and management (11%). About 74% of workers commuted by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes; most worked within the county, but roughly 40% commuted to neighboring Garland or Hot Spring counties.

Montgomery County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 77%, above the national average, with a median home value of approximately $114,000 in 2023. The median monthly rent is around $690. The housing stock mainly consists of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and limited multifamily options. Most neighborhoods are rural or small-town, notably Mount Ida. Property values have shown steady growth, increasing about 9% year-over-year. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.5% of assessed value, making the area attractive for affordability and tranquil living.

Elections

Montgomery County, AR, has about 6,400 residents and 5,000 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in local, state, and federal elections, with recent general election turnout around 55%. Polling locations include the county courthouse in Mount Ida and several community centers. The county clerk administers elections, overseeing issues such as absentee ballots and voter ID requirements. Major parties are Republican and Democrat; in the 2020 presidential election, Republican candidates received over 75% of local votes. Key local issues often concern infrastructure and school funding. Detailed polling sites and results are published by the County Clerk’s office.

County Crime & Safety

Montgomery County, AR, maintains relatively low crime rates compared to state averages. In 2023, the county reported a total of 98 crimes, including 12 violent offenses and 86 property crimes. The violent crime rate stands at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than Arkansas’s average of 6.5. Property crimes occur at a rate of 15.2 per 1,000 residents. Local law enforcement actively reports and addresses incidents, contributing to an overall sense of safety. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity, which supports the county’s proactive safety measures.