Saint Francis County Public RecordsArkansas

Saint Francis County, AR, hosts approximately 11 public schools, including Forrest City High School. The high school graduation rate is around 82%, while about 11% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, below the national average. The district offers vocational and early college programs. Average ACT scores at local high schools are near 17, lower than the state average. Adult education is available through community centers. School safety measures include on-campus officers and security training. Despite challenges, schools participate in STEM and career readiness initiatives.

Saint Francis County, AR, has an employment rate around 47.5%. The leading industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (20.8%), Retail Trade (14.4%), and Manufacturing (13.9%). Major occupation types include Office & Administrative Support (12.5%) and Production (11%). Most workers (83%) commute by car, with a mean travel time of 22 minutes. About 68% of employed residents work within the county, while the rest commute mainly to neighboring counties like Crittenden and Pulaski.

Saint Francis County, AR, has a homeownership rate of approximately 54%, with a median home value near $83,000 (2022). Median gross rent is around $700 per month. The county features a mix of single-family homes, some multi-units, and mobile homes, particularly in neighborhoods like Forrest City and Hughes. Property values have remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations over the past five years. The average property tax rate is about 0.6%, below the national average, making it an affordable area both for owners and renters compared to statewide and national figures.

As of 2022, Saint Francis County, Arkansas has a population of approximately 23,000. The median age is about 39 years. The gender distribution is nearly equal, with roughly 49% male and 51% female. The racial and ethnic makeup is around 50% Black or African American, 46% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino, and small percentages of Asian, Native American, and multiracial residents.

Saint Francis County, Arkansas, has approximately 14,000 registered voters as of 2024. The county conducts elections for local, state, and federal offices, including presidential, gubernatorial, and municipal races. In the 2020 general election, turnout was about 57%. Key polling locations include the Forrest City Civic Center and local schools. Election administration is managed by the County Clerk’s office, with oversight from a bipartisan Election Commission. Major parties are Democratic and Republican. Recent issues include concerns over ballot access and early voting. In 2022, Republicans won most countywide offices, reflecting a shift from previous Democratic majorities.

Saint Francis County, AR, has a crime rate notably higher than the national average. As of 2023, the violent crime rate stands at approximately 7.2 per 1,000 residents, compared to the U.S. average of 4.0. Property crime is also high, with about 37.1 incidents per 1,000 residents. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, leading to improved response rates, but safety concerns persist. Most incidents occur in Forrest City, the county seat. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and use preventative measures to enhance safety in daily life.