Paragould, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
30,215
0.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$56,980/yr
1.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
12,650
1.3% year-over-year change

Paragould population

How many people live in Paragould

Paragould is home to 30,215 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.5% of Paragould locals are male, and 51.5% are female.

Total population
30,215
0.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.5%
14,641
Female
51.5%
15,574
Value Percent YoY change
Male 14,641 48.5% 0.1%
Female 15,574 51.5% 1.7%
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 Paragould is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.8% are children under 15, then 13.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 28.3% of the population, while another 23.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.8%
15 to 24
13.5%
25 to 44
28.3%
45 to 64
23.2%
Over 65
15.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 5,977 19.8% -1.8%
15 to 24 4,075 13.5% 5.3%
25 to 44 8,538 28.3% -0.6%
45 to 64 7,001 23.2% 1.1%
Over 65 4,624 15.3% 3.3%
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 Paragould, 97.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.2% of locals are Caucasian, 3.5% are African American and 0.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 6.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
1.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 29,573 97.9% 0.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 315 1% 50.0%
Non-citizens 327 1.1% 20.2%
Racial breakdown
White
87.2%
Black or African American
3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.8%
Two or more races
6.7%
Other
1.2%
Value Percent
White 26,339 87.2%
Black or African American 1,055 3.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 14 0%
Asian 176 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 238 0.8%
Two or more races 2,023 6.7%
Other 370 1.2%

Households in Paragould

A peek inside Paragould households

Paragould has 11,680 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.1% are families, while the remaining 32.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
11,680
0.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
3,847
Family households
7,833
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 3,847 32.9% -3.9%
Family households 7,833 67.1% 3.1%
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 Paragould

The housing landscape of Paragould

Paragould's housing consists of 12,650 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.2% 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 6.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
12,650
1.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 8,861 70%
1 unit, attached 154 1.2%
2 units 841 6.6%
3 or 4 units 1,026 8.1%
5 to 9 units 314 2.5%
10 to 19 units 433 3.4%
20 to 49 units 73 0.6%
50 or more units 108 0.8%
Mobile home 820 6.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 20 0.2%
Homes built since 2020
267
22.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Paragould

In Paragould, the median construction year is 1991. About 2.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.9% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 13.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 294 2.3% 11.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 381 3% -21.1%
Built between 1950 and 1959 719 5.7% 10.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 938 7.4% -18.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 2,346 18.6% 2.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 1,374 10.9% 5.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 2,323 18.4% 20.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 2,269 17.9% -4.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 1,739 13.8% -4.3%
Built in 2020 or later 267 2.1% 22.5%
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.

Paragould occupancy rates

Out of the 11,680 occupied housing units in Paragould, 56.6% are owner-occupied, while 43.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 7.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
11,680
0.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
5,067
Owner occupied
6,613
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 5,067 43.4% -0.8%
Owner occupied 6,613 56.6% 1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
7.7%
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.

Paragould housing costs

Housing costs in Paragould come to a median of $921 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $925.

Median housing costs per month
$921/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 Paragould
$925/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 Paragould

Paragould education at a glance

About 53% of the population in Paragould went to high school, while 21.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.6% earned an associate degree and 9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.7% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 864 3.8% 21.9%
High school diploma 12,121 53% 3.2%
College diploma 5,016 21.9% 0.3%
Associate degree 1,515 6.6% -6.0%
Bachelor's degree 2,067 9% -5.4%
Graduate degree 1,298 5.7% -0.1%
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 Paragould

How much people earn in Paragould

The average annual household income in Paragould was $70,553 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $56,980, reflecting a +1.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Paragould
$70,553/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Paragould
$56,980/year
1.4% year-over-year change

Paragould income by age

In Paragould, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,798. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,391 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $34,545, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $39,078 in earnings. Overall, 82.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $34,545 -25.3%
25 - 44 $61,798 -0.8%
45 - 64 $68,391 10.4%
Over 65 $39,078 3.3%
Above poverty level
23,679
Below poverty level
4,992
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 23,679 82.6% -0.3%
Below poverty level 4,992 17.4% 4.8%

Average renter income in Paragould

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Paragould, their median household income was $33,800 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,800
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
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 Paragould

Workforce and job types in Paragould

The job market in Paragould is powered by 13,301 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.4% run their own businesses, 70.6% are employed by private companies, and 11% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
13,301
3.2% year-over-year change
White collar
9,049
Blue collar
4,252
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 9,049 68% 4.2%
Blue collar 4,252 32% 1.1%
Employer type
Self employees
9.4%
Private companies
70.6%
Governmental workers
11%
Not for profit companies
9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,249 9.4% 11.0%
Private companies 9,389 70.6% 3.1%
Governmental workers 1,465 11% -3.7%
Not for profit companies 1,198 9% 5.2%
Unemployment rate
7.2%
-14.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Paragould stands at 7.2%, 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 Paragould

How people get around in Paragould

Commuting methods vary: 91.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 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 11,865 91.3% 1.2%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0% -69.6%
Motorcycle 59 0.4% 51.3%
Walk 264 2% -2.9%
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 Paragould by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72450 40,807 15,681 $57,725 $72,615

Find your place

Explore more communities

FAQs about Paragould demographics 

What is the total population of Paragould?

Paragould has a total population of 30,215 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 +0.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Paragould?

The gender ratio in Paragould is as follows:
  • 48.5% males (14,641 residents)
  • 51.5% females (15,574 residents)

What is the median age in Paragould?

The median age in Paragould is 36.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Paragould?

The age distribution in Paragould is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.8% (5,977 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 13.5% (4,075 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 28.3% (8,538 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 23.2% (7,001 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.3% (4,624 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Paragould?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Paragould is as follows:
  • White: 87.2% (26,339 residents)
  • Black or African American: 3.5% (1,055 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (14 residents)
  • Asian: 0.6% (176 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.8% (238 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.7% (2,023 residents)
  • Other: 1.2% (370 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.9% of the population in Paragould.

How many housing units are there in Paragould?

There are 12,650 housing units in Paragould, reflecting a +1.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Paragould has a total of 11,680 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Paragould?

Paragould has a median household income of $56,980, representing a +1.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.8% in Paragould, with a workforce of 13,301 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68% (9,049 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32% (4,252 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.4% (1,249 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.6% (9,389 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11% (1,465 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9% (1,198 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