Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Yell County, Arkansas had a population of 20,263. The median age was about 41 years. The population was 51% male and 49% female. Racially, the county was 81% White, 2% Black or African American, 1% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 10.5% from other races, and 4.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents made up 17.4% of the population.

Education, Employment and Housing

Yell County, AR, has 12 public schools, including 2 high schools, serving approximately 4,000 students. About 77% of adults hold a high school diploma, while around 13% have a bachelor's degree or higher. Average school performance scores are near the state median, with a 73/100 rating. The district prioritizes safety, maintaining a below-state-average incident rate. Educational programs include Advanced Placement, career, and technical education. Adult education centers offer GED and workforce training, supporting lifelong learning in the community.

As of 2023, Yell County, AR, has an employment rate of about 56.3%. Leading industries are manufacturing (21.2%), healthcare and social assistance (15.4%), and retail trade (13.7%). Occupations are primarily production (15%), office and administrative support (9%), and sales (8%). Most residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 23.7 minutes; around 22% work outside the county, mainly traveling to Pope and Sebastian counties for employment opportunities.

Yell County, AR, has a homeownership rate of about 72%, with median home values around $110,000 and median rents near $700/month. The housing stock consists mostly of single-family homes, with some mobile homes and a few small rental complexes. Recent trends show moderate property value growth of 3-5% annually. Key neighborhoods include Dardanelle and Danville, each offering affordable housing options. Property taxes are low, averaging 0.56% of home value. The area appeals to those seeking rural living with budget-friendly housing and a stable real estate market.

County Crime & Safety

Yell County, Arkansas, reports a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2023, the county recorded approximately 200 total reported crimes, with 20 violent offenses and 180 property-related incidents per year. The violent crime rate stands at 2.1 per 1,000 residents, while property crime is about 19.3 per 1,000. Law enforcement actively encourages community reporting, resulting in a high case resolution rate. Overall, Yell County remains safer than many neighboring areas, according to Arkansas State Police statistics.

Elections

Yell County, Arkansas, had 12,153 registered voters as of 2022. Voters participate in federal, state, and local elections, with major parties being Republican and Democratic; in the 2020 presidential election, 74.7% voted Republican. There are 22 polling locations managed by the Yell County Election Commission. Issues often include agricultural policy and rural infrastructure. The county conducts both primary and general elections, with early and absentee voting options available. Local administration oversees voter registration and election security. Voter turnout in recent elections has reached approximately 59%.