Elections

Pulaski County, AR, with over 284,000 registered voters as of 2024, holds elections for local, state, and federal offices, including primary, general, and special elections. Key parties are Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian. In the 2020 general election, 60% voted for the Democratic presidential nominee. There are 40+ polling locations managed by the Pulaski County Election Commission. Notable issues include voter access and ballot security. The commission oversees registration, logistics, and ballot counting, with 77% turnout in recent general elections. Election results and polling place information are accessible via the county’s official website.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Pulaski County, AR, had a population of approximately 399,125. The median age is about 37 years. Females make up around 52% of the population, while males account for 48%. Racially, the county is 50% White, 37% Black or African American, 4% Asian, and 7% Hispanic or Latino. Other groups, including Native Americans and multiracial individuals, comprise the remaining 2%.

Education, Employment and Housing

Pulaski County, AR, hosts over 40 public high schools and multiple private institutions, serving diverse communities. About 30% of adults hold at least a bachelor’s degree. The average high school graduation rate in the county is approximately 83%. Pulaski County schools offer numerous educational programs, including STEM, AP, and adult education. School safety initiatives include resource officers and security systems, with schools scoring around 5–7/10 on national safety ratings. Additionally, adult education centers provide GED and vocational training, supporting lifelong learning opportunities.

As of 2023, Pulaski County, AR had an unemployment rate of approximately 3.0%. The largest employment sectors are healthcare and social assistance (18%), retail trade (12%), and educational services (11%). Major occupation types include office and administrative support (14%) and management/business roles (11%). About 85% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. The majority are employed within the county, mainly in Little Rock, which serves as the central employment hub.

Pulaski County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 56%, with median home values near $200,000 and median rents around $1,050. The area’s housing market saw a 6% price increase in the past year. Housing types range from historic homes in Hillcrest to new developments in Chenal Valley. Notable neighborhoods include downtown Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Maumelle. Property taxes are modest, averaging around 0.67% of assessed value, making homeownership relatively affordable compared to national averages. Renters comprise approximately 44% of residents, reflecting diverse housing options and a strong rental market presence.

County Crime & Safety

Pulaski County, AR, including Little Rock, continues to face significant crime challenges. In 2023, the county reported approximately 7,100 violent crimes and 27,800 property crimes, resulting in a crime rate of about 7,900 per 100,000 residents—well above the national average. Efforts to improve safety include increased police patrols and community outreach. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity via the non-emergency line or 911 for emergencies. While some crime rates have stabilized, burglary and aggravated assault remain concerns for local authorities and community leaders.