Demographics

Nevada County, Arkansas, had a 2020 population of 8,310. The median age is 42.7 years. Approximately 50.5% are male and 49.5% female. Racially, the county is 59.3% White, 35.2% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Native American, and 0.3% Asian, with 2.2% identifying as two or more races. The population has slightly declined in recent years.

Elections

Nevada County, Arkansas, has approximately 6,100 registered voters as of 2024. Voters participate in primary, general, and special elections, choosing local, state, and federal officials. In the 2022 general election, turnout was 48%. The county has 10 polling locations overseen by the Nevada County Election Commission. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with recent results favoring Republicans (e.g., 65% GOP in 2022 governor’s race). Key local issues include education funding and road maintenance. Voter registration requires Arkansas residency and photo ID. Election administration emphasizes security and accessibility at all polling sites.

Education, Employment and Housing

Nevada County, AR, has around 6 public schools, including Prescott High and Nevada High. The high school graduation rate is approximately 85%, while about 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average standardized test scores are below the state average, with a score index near 48/100. Adult education is available through local community programs. School safety rates are moderate, with increased measures in place. Educational offerings include vocational training and special education programs, aiming to broaden student opportunities despite resource challenges.

As of 2022, Nevada County, AR, had an employment rate of approximately 51.2%. Major industries include manufacturing (17%), health care and social assistance (16%), and educational services (13%). The top occupations are production (11%), office/administrative support (13%), and sales (9%). Notably, around 70% of workers commute alone by car, with a mean travel time of 24 minutes. The majority of residents are employed within the county, but about 28% work in neighboring counties, particularly Hempstead and Ouachita.

Nevada County, AR has a homeownership rate of about 69%, with median home values near $87,000 (2022). Rentals make up around 31% of housing, with median gross rent close to $610 per month. The market trends remain stable, with minimal annual value fluctuations. Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with a few multi-family units in Prescott and Emmet. Notable neighborhoods include downtown Prescott and Bluff City. Property taxes are low, with an average effective rate around 0.6%, resulting in about $522 yearly tax on a median-valued home.

County Crime & Safety

Nevada County, AR, experiences a moderate crime rate compared to national averages. In 2022, the county reported approximately 210 crimes, including 18 violent crimes (such as 2 robberies and 16 aggravated assaults) and 192 property crimes (with 35 burglaries and 157 larcenies). The overall crime rate stands at nearly 22.2 incidents per 1,000 residents, with local law enforcement actively encouraging community-based reporting. While crime rates have fluctuated slightly in recent years, residents are advised to remain observant and participate in neighborhood watch programs to maintain safety and reduce incidents.