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

Total population
22,085
-1.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,268/yr
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
11,869
-0.0% year-over-year change

Ouachita County population

How many people live in Ouachita County

Ouachita County is home to 22,085 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.2% of Ouachita County locals are male, and 51.8% are female.

Total population
22,085
-1.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.2%
10,646
Female
51.8%
11,439
Value Percent YoY change
Male 10,646 48.2% -1.1%
Female 11,439 51.8% -1.0%
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 Ouachita County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.9% of the population, while another 26.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
43.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
22.9%
45 to 64
26.2%
Over 65
21.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 3,988 18.1% -1.5%
15 to 24 2,532 11.5% -2.8%
25 to 44 5,057 22.9% 1.4%
45 to 64 5,789 26.2% -2.8%
Over 65 4,719 21.4% 0.0%
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 Ouachita County, 98.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.6% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 54.6% of locals are Caucasian, 40.8% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 3.6% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.6%
Non-citizens
0.6%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 21,835 98.9% -1.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 124 0.6% 8.8%
Non-citizens 126 0.6% 200.0%
Racial breakdown
White
54.6%
Black or African American
40.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.6%
Other
0.5%
Value Percent
White 12,052 54.6%
Black or African American 9,010 40.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 49 0.2%
Asian 71 0.3%
Two or more races 798 3.6%
Other 105 0.5%

Households in Ouachita County

A peek inside Ouachita County households

Ouachita County has 8,624 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.5% are families, while the remaining 37.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
8,624
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,232
Family households
5,392
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,232 37.5% 5.3%
Family households 5,392 62.5% -2.4%
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 Ouachita County

The housing landscape of Ouachita County

Ouachita County's housing consists of 11,869 units, with 74.7% 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 13.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
11,869
-0.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,863 74.7%
1 unit, attached 126 1.1%
2 units 321 2.7%
3 or 4 units 469 4%
5 to 9 units 285 2.4%
10 to 19 units 130 1.1%
20 to 49 units 5 0%
50 or more units 10 0.1%
Mobile home 1,639 13.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 21 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
30
36.4% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ouachita County

In Ouachita County, the median construction year is 1974. About 6.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 4.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 743 6.3% -17.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 1,047 8.8% 11.7%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,790 15.1% 0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1,593 13.4% 4.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,159 18.2% 12.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,970 16.6% -8.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 1,304 11% -1.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 571 4.8% -16.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 662 5.6% 5.6%
Built in 2020 or later 30 0.2% 36.4%
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.

Ouachita County occupancy rates

Out of the 8,624 occupied housing units in Ouachita County, 70.9% are owner-occupied, while 29.1% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 27.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
8,624
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
2,507
Owner occupied
6,117
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 2,507 29.1% 1.4%
Owner occupied 6,117 70.9% 0.0%
Unoccupied housing units
27.3%
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.

Ouachita County housing costs

Housing costs in Ouachita County come to a median of $664 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $764.

Median housing costs per month
$664/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 Ouachita County
$764/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 Ouachita County

Ouachita County education at a glance

About 50.2% of the population in Ouachita County went to high school, while 23.1% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 400 2.3% 9.3%
High school diploma 8,624 50.2% -5.7%
College diploma 3,961 23.1% -3.3%
Associate degree 1,572 9.2% 22.1%
Bachelor's degree 1,713 10% 10.2%
Graduate degree 906 5.3% 0.2%
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 Ouachita County

How much people earn in Ouachita County

The average annual household income in Ouachita County was $65,528 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,268, reflecting a -1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ouachita County
$65,528/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ouachita County
$49,268/year
-1.1% year-over-year change

Ouachita County income by age

In Ouachita County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $56,338. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $54,688 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $60,268, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $33,182 in earnings. Overall, 81.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $60,268 N/A
25 - 44 $56,338 -4.2%
45 - 64 $54,688 -1.9%
Over 65 $33,182 -3.7%
Above poverty level
17,301
Below poverty level
3,972
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 17,301 81.3% -2.3%
Below poverty level 3,972 18.7% 4.4%

Employment in Ouachita County

Workforce and job types in Ouachita County

The job market in Ouachita County is powered by 8,419 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 11.3% run their own businesses, 62.7% are employed by private companies, and 21.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
8,419
-1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
5,586
Blue collar
2,833
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 5,586 66.4% -0.2%
Blue collar 2,833 33.6% -4.7%
Employer type
Self employees
11.3%
Private companies
62.7%
Governmental workers
21.5%
Not for profit companies
4.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 948 11.3% 15.6%
Private companies 5,277 62.7% -2.5%
Governmental workers 1,808 21.5% -6.2%
Not for profit companies 386 4.6% -6.3%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
11.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ouachita County stands at 5.2%, 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 Ouachita County

How people get around in Ouachita County

In Ouachita County, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 93% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
3.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 7,722 93% -2.5%
Bicycle 14 0.2% 75.0%
Walk 83 1% -27.2%
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 Ouachita County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
71701 16,847 6,540 $49,110 $66,397
71720 2,523 754 $61,250 $80,186
71726 1,108 564 $31,328 $48,589
71751 573 289 $0 $65,839
71764 1,688 650 $62,308 $62,499

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FAQs about Ouachita County demographics 

What is the total population of Ouachita County?

Ouachita County has a total population of 22,085 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 -1.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ouachita County?

The gender ratio in Ouachita County is as follows:
  • 48.2% males (10,646 residents)
  • 51.8% females (11,439 residents)

What is the median age in Ouachita County?

The median age in Ouachita County is 43.8.

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

The age distribution in Ouachita County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (3,988 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (2,532 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.9% (5,057 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.2% (5,789 residents)
  • Over 65: 21.4% (4,719 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ouachita County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ouachita County is as follows:
  • White: 54.6% (12,052 residents)
  • Black or African American: 40.8% (9,010 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (49 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (71 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.6% (798 residents)
  • Other: 0.5% (105 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.9% of the population in Ouachita County.

How many housing units are there in Ouachita County?

There are 11,869 housing units in Ouachita County, reflecting a -0.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ouachita County has a total of 8,624 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ouachita County?

Ouachita County has a median household income of $49,268, representing a -1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.8% in Ouachita County, with a workforce of 8,419 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.4% (5,586 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.6% (2,833 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 11.3% (948 residents)
  • Private companies: 62.7% (5,277 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 21.5% (1,808 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.6% (386 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