Desha County, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,786
-2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income
$37,662/yr
4.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,799
-0.2% year-over-year change

Desha County population

How many people live in Desha County

Desha County is home to 10,786 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.5% of Desha County locals are male, and 53.5% are female.

Total population
10,786
-2.3% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.5%
5,016
Female
53.5%
5,770
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,016 46.5% -4.5%
Female 5,770 53.5% -0.3%
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 Desha County is 42, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.2% are children under 15, then 11.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.8% of the population, while another 26.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 20.1% are 65 or older.

Median age
41.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.2%
15 to 24
11.6%
25 to 44
21.8%
45 to 64
26.3%
Over 65
20.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 2,178 20.2% -5.1%
15 to 24 1,251 11.6% 0.6%
25 to 44 2,350 21.8% -3.1%
45 to 64 2,839 26.3% -2.4%
Over 65 2,168 20.1% -0.1%
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 Desha County, 96.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 3% of residents are non-citizens. Another 0.2% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.9% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 4.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 10,401 96.4% -3.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 65 0.6% 103.1%
Non-citizens 320 3% 50.2%
Racial breakdown
White
44%
Black or African American
49%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
4.8%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 4,747 44%
Black or African American 5,288 49%
American Indian and Alaska Native 19 0.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 11 0.1%
Two or more races 517 4.8%
Other 204 1.9%

Households in Desha County

A peek inside Desha County households

Desha County has 4,610 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.9% are families, while the remaining 36.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
4,610
-3.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,664
Family households
2,946
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,664 36.1% 6.0%
Family households 2,946 63.9% -7.4%
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 Desha County

The housing landscape of Desha County

Desha County's housing consists of 5,799 units, with 69.7% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% 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 12.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,799
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 4,040 69.7%
1 unit, attached 64 1.1%
2 units 299 5.2%
3 or 4 units 208 3.6%
5 to 9 units 299 5.2%
10 to 19 units 118 2%
20 to 49 units 23 0.4%
50 or more units 19 0.3%
Mobile home 720 12.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 9 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
91
30.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Desha County

In Desha County, the median construction year is 1977. About 5.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 10.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 302 5.2% -22.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 228 3.9% -22.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 634 10.9% 8.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 658 11.4% -18.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 1,492 25.7% 5.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 939 16.2% 6.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 530 9.1% -8.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 604 10.4% 27.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 321 5.5% 0.9%
Built in 2020 or later 91 1.6% 30.0%
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.

Desha County occupancy rates

Out of the 4,610 occupied housing units in Desha County, 56.8% are owner-occupied, while 43.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 20.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
4,610
-3.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,991
Owner occupied
2,619
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,991 43.2% 6.1%
Owner occupied 2,619 56.8% -8.9%
Unoccupied housing units
20.5%
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.

Desha County housing costs

Housing costs in Desha County come to a median of $587 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $718.

Median housing costs per month
$587/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 Desha County
$718/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 Desha County

Desha County education at a glance

About 54.5% of the population in Desha County went to high school, while 19.8% pursued college studies. Another 5.1% earned an associate degree and 7.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 680 8.4% -9.2%
High school diploma 4,409 54.5% 0.3%
College diploma 1,605 19.8% -5.4%
Associate degree 413 5.1% 16.3%
Bachelor's degree 582 7.2% -7.5%
Graduate degree 407 5% -4.2%
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 Desha County

How much people earn in Desha County

The average annual household income in Desha County was $53,518 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $37,662, reflecting a +4.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Desha County
$53,518/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Desha County
$37,662/year
4.4% year-over-year change

Desha County income by age

In Desha County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $39,706. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,636 overall. Overall, 71.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $39,706 -1.4%
45 - 64 $48,636 18.3%
Over 65 $31,798 -4.0%
Above poverty level
7,585
Below poverty level
2,972
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,585 71.8% -1.8%
Below poverty level 2,972 28.2% -3.9%

Employment in Desha County

Workforce and job types in Desha County

The job market in Desha County is powered by 3,699 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 65.3% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 34.7% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.3% run their own businesses, 63.2% are employed by private companies, and 21.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,699
-7.1% year-over-year change
White collar
2,415
Blue collar
1,284
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,415 65.3% -7.7%
Blue collar 1,284 34.7% -5.9%
Employer type
Self employees
9.3%
Private companies
63.2%
Governmental workers
21.6%
Not for profit companies
5.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 344 9.3% -28.0%
Private companies 2,337 63.2% -3.3%
Governmental workers 799 21.6% -8.8%
Not for profit companies 219 5.9% 4.8%
Unemployment rate
8.0%
80.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Desha County stands at 8%, 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 Desha County

How people get around in Desha County

Commuting methods vary: 94.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.2% 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 3,459 94.4% -8.2%
Bus or trolleybus 8 0.2% -27.3%
Walk 9 0.2% -62.5%
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 Desha County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
71666 10 5 $0 $0
71670 983 484 $34,570 $61,319
71674 631 273 $52,125 $66,268
71630 456 230 $41,900 $47,843
71639 5,077 2,177 $37,173 $44,465
71654 4,216 1,669 $41,645 $64,155
71662 100 8 $0 $0
72328 73 29 $0 $0
72379 34 34 $0 $0

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FAQs about Desha County demographics 

What is the total population of Desha County?

Desha County has a total population of 10,786 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 -2.3% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Desha County?

The gender ratio in Desha County is as follows:
  • 46.5% males (5,016 residents)
  • 53.5% females (5,770 residents)

What is the median age in Desha County?

The median age in Desha County is 41.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Desha County?

The age distribution in Desha County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.2% (2,178 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.6% (1,251 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.8% (2,350 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.3% (2,839 residents)
  • Over 65: 20.1% (2,168 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Desha County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Desha County is as follows:
  • White: 44% (4,747 residents)
  • Black or African American: 49% (5,288 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (19 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (11 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.8% (517 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (204 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.4% of the population in Desha County.

How many housing units are there in Desha County?

There are 5,799 housing units in Desha County, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Desha County has a total of 4,610 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Desha County?

Desha County has a median household income of $37,662, representing a +4.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Desha County?

The employment rate is 92% in Desha County, with a workforce of 3,699 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 65.3% (2,415 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 34.7% (1,284 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.3% (344 residents)
  • Private companies: 63.2% (2,337 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.6% (799 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.9% (219 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