Brinkley, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,596
-2.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,996/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,580
5.1% year-over-year change

Brinkley population

How many people live in Brinkley

Brinkley is home to 2,596 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.6% of Brinkley locals are male, and 52.4% are female.

Total population
2,596
-2.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.6%
1,237
Female
52.4%
1,359
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,237 47.6% -3.8%
Female 1,359 52.4% -0.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Brinkley is 49, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 9.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.8% of the population, while another 28.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25% are 65 or older.

Median age
49.1
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
9.6%
25 to 44
19.8%
45 to 64
28.2%
Over 65
25%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 452 17.4% -9.4%
15 to 24 250 9.6% 20.8%
25 to 44 514 19.8% -19.9%
45 to 64 732 28.2% 6.1%
Over 65 648 25% 5.7%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Brinkley, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36% of locals are Caucasian, 60.1% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,552 98.3% -1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 0.4% -8.3%
Non-citizens 33 1.3% -17.5%
Racial breakdown
White
36%
Black or African American
60.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.2%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 935 36%
Black or African American 1,560 60.1%
Asian 34 1.3%
Two or more races 57 2.2%
Other 10 0.4%

Households in Brinkley

A peek inside Brinkley households

Brinkley has 1,202 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.7% are families, while the remaining 51.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,202
1.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
617
Family households
585
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 617 51.3% 1.1%
Family households 585 48.7% 1.4%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Brinkley

The housing landscape of Brinkley

Brinkley's housing consists of 1,580 units, with 71% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 8.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,580
5.1% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,121 71%
1 unit, attached 12 0.8%
2 units 202 12.8%
5 to 9 units 60 3.8%
10 to 19 units 18 1.1%
20 to 49 units 34 2.2%
Mobile home 133 8.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Brinkley

In Brinkley, the median construction year is 1975. About 4.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 66 4.2% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 54 3.4% -10.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 125 7.9% -16.7%
Built between 1960 and 1969 284 18% 19.3%
Built between 1970 and 1979 567 35.9% 21.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 244 15.4% -0.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 102 6.5% -22.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 138 8.7% -2.8%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Brinkley occupancy rates

Out of the 1,202 occupied housing units in Brinkley, 58.9% are owner-occupied, while 41.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 23.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,202
1.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
494
Owner occupied
708
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 494 41.1% 12.8%
Owner occupied 708 58.9% -5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
23.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Brinkley housing costs

Housing costs in Brinkley come to a median of $580 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $608.

Median housing costs per month
$580/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Brinkley
$608/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Brinkley

Brinkley education at a glance

About 51% of the population in Brinkley went to high school, while 23.2% pursued college studies. Another 5.9% earned an associate degree and 10.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 149 7.2% -12.3%
High school diploma 1,063 51% -4.9%
College diploma 483 23.2% 4.5%
Associate degree 122 5.9% 159.6%
Bachelor's degree 213 10.2% -0.9%
Graduate degree 53 2.5% -26.4%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Brinkley

How much people earn in Brinkley

The average annual household income in Brinkley was $49,778 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +11.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,996, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Brinkley
$49,778/year
11.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Brinkley
$38,996/year
1.9% year-over-year change

Brinkley income by age

In Brinkley, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,636. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,612 overall. Overall, 75.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $43,636 12.3%
45 - 64 $41,612 -13.9%
Over 65 $27,532 -1.0%
Above poverty level
1,878
Below poverty level
613
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,878 75.4% 5.2%
Below poverty level 613 24.6% -20.7%

Average renter income in Brinkley

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Brinkley, their median household income was $13,969 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 52.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$13,969
Rent-to-income ratio
52.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Brinkley

Workforce and job types in Brinkley

The job market in Brinkley is powered by 948 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 51.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 48.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 16.6% run their own businesses, 70.2% are employed by private companies, and 11.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
948
6.0% year-over-year change
White collar
492
Blue collar
456
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 492 51.9% 2.1%
Blue collar 456 48.1% 10.7%
Employer type
Self employees
16.6%
Private companies
70.2%
Governmental workers
11.1%
Not for profit companies
2.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 157 16.6% 8.3%
Private companies 665 70.2% 8.8%
Governmental workers 105 11.1% -1.9%
Not for profit companies 21 2.2% -32.3%
Unemployment rate
16.7%
-5.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Brinkley stands at 16.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Brinkley

How people get around in Brinkley

Commuting methods vary: 93.9% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 890 93.9% 5.7%
Walk 32 3.4% -21.9%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Brinkley by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72021 3,491 1,508 $41,310 $54,381

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FAQs about Brinkley demographics 

What is the total population of Brinkley?

Brinkley has a total population of 2,596 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -2.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Brinkley?

The gender ratio in Brinkley is as follows:
  • 47.6% males (1,237 residents)
  • 52.4% females (1,359 residents)

What is the median age in Brinkley?

The median age in Brinkley is 49.1.

What is the age distribution of the population in Brinkley?

The age distribution in Brinkley is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (452 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.6% (250 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.8% (514 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.2% (732 residents)
  • Over 65: 25% (648 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Brinkley?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Brinkley is as follows:
  • White: 36% (935 residents)
  • Black or African American: 60.1% (1,560 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (34 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.2% (57 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (10 residents)

What percentage of the population in Brinkley are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Brinkley.

How many housing units are there in Brinkley?

There are 1,580 housing units in Brinkley, reflecting a +5.1% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Brinkley and what is the average household size?

Brinkley has a total of 1,202 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Brinkley?

Brinkley has a median household income of $38,996, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Brinkley?

The employment rate is 83.3% in Brinkley, with a workforce of 948 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 51.9% (492 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 48.1% (456 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 16.6% (157 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.2% (665 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.1% (105 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.2% (21 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025