Education, Employment and Housing

Scott County, AR has 6 public schools, including Waldron High School and Mansfield High School, serving approximately 1,700 students. About 79% of adults have a high school diploma, but only around 11% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, significantly below the national average. Schools report an average GreatSchools rating of 4/10, highlighting areas for improvement. Educational programs include vocational training and limited AP courses. School safety initiatives, such as resource officers, are active, but challenges remain. Adult education opportunities are available through regional community colleges and workforce programs.

As of 2022, Scott County, AR, had an employment rate of approximately 51.4%. The leading industries include manufacturing (27.1%), education and health services (17.6%), and retail trade (9.9%). Most workers are employed in production (23%), office and administrative support (11%), and management occupations (10%). About 79% of residents commute outside their place of residence for work, with a mean travel time of 28.2 minutes. The majority commute by car, and Greenwood and Fort Smith are notable employment destinations for county residents.

Scott County, AR, has a homeownership rate of approximately 78%, with median home values around $104,000 in 2023—well below the national average. Rental units comprise about 22%, and median rent is roughly $725 per month. Housing types are predominantly single-family homes, with limited apartment options. Popular neighborhoods include Waldron and Mansfield, offering quiet, rural living. The property market remains stable, reflecting a modest annual appreciation of around 3%. Property taxes are low, averaging $450 annually for a median-priced home, further contributing to the area’s affordability.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Scott County, Arkansas, had a population of 9,836. The median age is approximately 41 years. The gender distribution is nearly equal, with 50.2% male and 49.8% female. Racially, the population is 87.2% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 5.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 9.9% of the population.

Elections

Scott County, Arkansas, reported around 5,000 registered voters in 2022. Elections include federal, state, county, school board, and municipal contests. In the 2020 presidential election, over 82% voted Republican, about 16% Democratic. Main polling locations include Waldron High School and Scott County Courthouse. Key issues often center on agriculture, infrastructure, and education. The Scott County Clerk’s office administers elections, overseeing both in-person and absentee voting. Republican and Democratic parties have active local chapters, with Republican registrations and votes outnumbering Democrats by nearly 4:1.

County Crime & Safety

Scott County, AR maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. According to recent FBI data, the county reported 2.6 violent crimes and 12.4 property crimes per 1,000 residents in 2023. Local law enforcement emphasizes community policing and encourages prompt reporting through the Scott County Sheriff's Office. Public safety initiatives and neighborhood watch programs contribute to maintaining a safer environment, though occasional incidents of theft and minor assault occur. The county's crime rates remain below the state average, with effective policing and community vigilance supporting continued improvements in safety and security.