Sharp County Public RecordsArkansas

Sharp County, Arkansas has approximately 10,500 registered voters. Local, state, and federal elections are held, with notable Republican majorities—over 70% voted GOP in the 2020 presidential race. Elections are administered by the Sharp County Clerk’s office, with at least 8 polling locations across cities like Ash Flat and Hardy. Major issues include healthcare access and infrastructure. Voter turnout in 2022 midterms was 54%. The two major parties—Democratic and Republican—dominate. Voter registration can be completed online or at the county courthouse, and early voting is available at designated sites before major elections.

Sharp County, Arkansas, has 8 public schools, including high schools like Highland High and Cave City High. The high school graduation rate is approximately 86%, but only about 13% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average school test score is 45.5% (below state average). Adult education programs are available through local community centers. School safety incidents are below the state median, with ongoing initiatives to improve security and mental health resources. Educational programs include vocational training and dual-credit courses to support college readiness and career skills for students.

As of 2022, Sharp County, AR had an employment rate of approximately 46%, with around 6,700 people employed. Leading industries include Health Care & Social Assistance (20.7%), Retail Trade (16.2%), and Educational Services (13.4%). The most common occupations are Office & Administrative Support (11%), Sales (10.5%), and Management (8%). About 80% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 27 minutes. Most residents work within Sharp County itself, while a smaller portion commutes to nearby counties such as Independence and Lawrence.

Sharp County, AR has a homeownership rate of about 77%, with median home values near $108,000 and typical monthly rent around $750. Property values have risen approximately 6% over the past year. Housing types include single-family homes, mobile homes, and lakefront properties, especially in neighborhoods like Cherokee Village, Hardy, and Ash Flat. Property tax rates are low, averaging 0.52% of a property's value. The market favors buyers, with ample inventory and affordability compared to national averages. Most neighborhoods offer quiet, rural living, with some planned communities offering amenities and a mix of retirees and families.

As of 2022, Sharp County, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 17,442. The median age is about 49.8 years, with 22.3% under 18 and 25.1% aged 65 or older. Females comprise roughly 51% of the population. The racial makeup is predominantly White (92.3%), with smaller proportions of Black or African American (1.1%), Native American (0.6%), and those identifying as two or more races (4.6%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 2.6% of the population.

Sharp County, AR has a crime rate slightly below the national average. In 2023, the county reported 340 total crimes (including 30 violent crimes and 310 property crimes), translating to a rate of approximately 18 crimes per 1,000 residents. Violent crime accounts for 1.6 per 1,000 residents, while property crime stands at 16.4. Most incidents occur in towns like Ash Flat and Hardy. The Sharp County Sheriff's Office encourages active community crime reporting and utilizes regular patrols to enhance safety. Overall, residents experience moderately low crime risk compared to state and national levels.