Education, Employment and Housing

Union County, Arkansas, hosts 29 public schools, including 3 high schools. Approximately 85% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 18% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average public school rating is 5/10, with several schools offering AP and vocational programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers in all districts. Adult education options are provided through South Arkansas Community College.

As of 2022, Union County, AR, recorded an employment rate of approximately 54%. The largest industries are Health Care & Social Assistance (23%), Manufacturing (15%), and Retail Trade (11%). Popular occupations include Production (14%), Office & Administrative Support (13%), and Sales (9%). About 82% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 20 minutes. Nearly 77% work within the county, while the remainder travel to nearby areas such as Ouachita and Columbia counties for employment.

Union County, AR has a homeownership rate of approximately 67%, with median home values around $116,000 and typical monthly rents near $800. The area’s housing market remains stable, with slight value increases over recent years. Most housing consists of single-family homes, particularly in neighborhoods like North Hills and Southside, alongside some multifamily units. Property tax rates average 0.6%, making homeownership relatively affordable. The mix of suburban and rural communities offers diverse housing options.

County Crime & Safety

Union County, AR, has a crime rate higher than the national average, with a total crime rate of approximately 39.8 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime accounts for about 5.4 per 1,000 people, while property crime is 34.4 per 1,000. El Dorado, the county seat, reports the majority of incidents. Local law enforcement agencies actively encourage reporting through hotlines and online portals. Although overall crime has declined slightly in recent years, residents are advised to remain vigilant, as Union County’s crime rates remain above those of many other Arkansas counties.

Demographics

As of 2022, Union County, AR has a population of approximately 38,800. About 49% are male and 51% female. The median age is around 40. Racially, the population is about 61% White, 34% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian, and 2.4% reporting two or more races. Roughly 22% of residents are under 18, while 19% are 65 or older.

Elections

Union County, AR, has approximately 24,000 registered voters as of 2024. Elections include local, state, and federal contests, with the county trending Republican; in 2020, 68% voted for the GOP presidential candidate. Polling locations include the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium and Junction City Community Center among others. Issues frequently center on education funding and industry regulation, given the strong local oil and chemical sectors. The Union County Clerk’s Office administers elections. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with minor third-party presence. Early voting and absentee options are available to voters.