2020 Population Rank
2020 Growth Rate
Arkansas Square Miles
State Capital
Statehood Year
Red/Blue
Abbreviation
World Population Review
Arkansas Population 2020 (Demographics, Maps, Graphs)
3,038,999
Our estimate for the 2020 population of Arkansas is 3.04 million. Its 2016 growth rate of 0.38% makes it the 29th fastest growing state in the USA.
The last official census in the United States of America was carried out in 2010, when the population was calculated as 2,915,918, making Arkansas the 32nd largest state in the US. When the official Census estimates were released for 2015, Arkansas' total had grown by just over 60,000 people to 2,978,204.
The population of Arkansas will have surpassed the 3 million mark in late 2016 or early 2017 if it continued to grow at a similar rate.
Arkansas Area and Population Density
Arkansas’ population provides some fairly unremarkable figures in terms of population density, in keeping with its status as one of the middle ranked states in terms of population numbers.
The surface area of the state is 53,179 square miles (137,733 square kilometers), and based on the 2010 Census population, that equated to 56 people in every square mile of Arkansas land. Overall, this would mean that the state is the 34th highest in terms of population density.
A population estimate in 2006 showed that there had been a net gain in numbers of 52,214 from the 2000 Census due to natural growth. This took into account the birth rate against the death rate and a further rise in numbers due to net migration.
The largest city is Little Rock located in the county of Pulaski, Arkansas.
Arkansas Gender and Religion Statistics
The median age is 36 in Arkansas. Nearly 75% of the population is over eighteen years of age. Approximately 51% of the Arkansas population is female, with 49% male population.
The religions within Arkansas stand at 79% Christian based faiths, 3% non-Christian faith, and 18% unaffiliated.
Arkansas Boundary, Census, and Statehood History
Arkansas was acquired as part of the Louisiana Purchase of 1803 and was included in Louisiana Territory, established in 1805 and comprising the whole of the Louisiana Purchase north of present-day Louisiana. Arkansas (then spelled Arkansaw) became a territory in 1819 and at first included most of present-day Oklahoma; in 1828 it reached essentially its present boundaries, although the boundary with Texas was incorrectly interpreted at that time. Arkansas was admitted as a State on June 15, 1836.
In 1810, census coverage of Louisiana Territory was limited to portions of present-day Arkansas and Missouri, mainly close to the Mississippi River. The 1810 census was reported by districts; the total for 1810 is for Arkansas District, which was entirely within present-day Arkansas. New Madrid District, which included the northern part of present-day Arkansas, was mainly in Missouri. In 1820 census coverage included much of the present State and a small number of people in present-day Oklahoma and Texas. By 1830 census coverage included the whole of Arkansas, and also included (in old Miller County) a portion of today's Texas.
Arkansas Demographics
According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of Arkansas was:
- White: 77.00%
- Black or African American: 15.41%
- Other race: 2.64%
- Two or more races: 2.54%
- Asian: 1.47%
- Native American: 0.67%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.27%
How Many People Live in Arkansas?
3,038,999Arkansas Population Chart
Arkansas Population History
The census history of the United States as a whole reflects the huge rise in population since the beginning of the 19th century. Arkansas is certainly no exception to this rule.
In 1810, the population in the state was a mere 1,062, but by the next census in 1820, things were starting to move considerably. The final numbers were declared at 14,273 -- an incredible rise of 1,244% in just ten years. From this point until 1940, the population grew consistently as net immigration played a huge part in the growth of the state.
Arkansas Population Growth
From 1940 to 1960, Arkansas saw consecutive declines in their Census counts, due mostly to World War II, and post-war migration. After 1960, Arkansas resumed it's relatively high level of growth until 2010. During this 50 year period, Arkansas saw an annualized growth rate of just over 1%. The most recent estimates suggest this pace has slowed since 2012.
Arkansas Population Projections
If the state maintains its current growth rate, it should comfortably exceed 3 million residents by the time the 2020 Census is held. According to estimates, the 2020 population could grow as high as 3.2 million, although an estimate of 3.03 million is more in line with the current growth rate.
Population Data via US Census
Arkansas Growth Rate
Arkansas Population Rank
| Year | Pop | % Change |
| 2020 | 3,038,999 | 0.42% |
| 2019 | 3,026,412 | 0.42% |
| 2018 | 3,013,825 | 0.36% |
| 2017 | 3,002,997 | 0.42% |
| 2016 | 2,990,410 | 0.40% |
| 2015 | 2,978,407 | 0.36% |
| 2014 | 2,967,726 | 0.28% |
| 2013 | 2,959,549 | 0.25% |
| 2012 | 2,952,109 | 0.40% |
| 2011 | 2,940,407 | 0.63% |
| 2010 | 2,921,978 | 0.89% |
| 2000 | 2,673,400 | 1.29% |
| 1990 | 2,350,725 | 0.28% |
| 1980 | 2,286,435 | 1.74% |
| 1970 | 1,923,295 | 0.74% |
| 1960 | 1,786,272 | -0.66% |
| 1950 | 1,909,511 | -0.21% |
| 1940 | 1,949,387 | 0.50% |
| 1930 | 1,854,482 | 0.57% |
| 1920 | 1,752,204 | 1.08% |
| 1910 | 1,574,449 | 1.84% |
| 1900 | 1,311,564 | 1.52% |
| 1890 | 1,128,211 | 3.46% |
| 1880 | 802,525 | 5.18% |
| 1870 | 484,471 | 1.07% |
| 1860 | 435,450 | 7.57% |
| 1850 | 209,897 | 7.96% |
| 1840 | 97,574 | 12.37% |
| 1830 | 30,388 | 7.85% |
| 1820 | 14,273 | 29.67% |
| 1810 | 1,062 | 0.00% |
- The first "diamond rush" of North America began when two diamonds were found in 1906. The property was purchased and made into the "Crater of Diamonds State Park," the only active diamond mine in the US.
- The first Wal-Mart store was opened in Rogers, Arkansas, in 1962. Today, the corporation's headquarters is located in Bentonville.
- Over 23 million travelers visit the state of Arkansas each year, leading to travel and tourism revenues of over $5.7 billion annually.
- The first woman elected to the Senate, [Hattie Ophelia Wyatt Caraway](http://history.house.gov/People/ Listing/C/CARAWAY,-Hattie-Wyatt-%28C000138%29/), was from Arkansas.
- A law was created in 1947 that officially discourages the mispronunciation of "Arkansas" while in the state.
- The state has over 600,000 acres of lakes, as well as 9,700 miles of rivers and streams.
- Arkansas Post, located near the mouth of the Arkansas River, was the first permanent white settlement in the state in 1686.
- The entirety of Eureka Springs' city limits are designated as a Historic District.
Pulaski County
- Population392,680
- Density517.70 per sq km
- Growth Since 20102.37%
- State Rank1
- % of State13.03%
Arkansas has seen both increases and decreases across its counties from the time of the 2010 Census until the US Census Bureau's estimates in 2015. Four counties saw significant increases, with the northeastern county of Benton seeing the highest increase in population by 11.96%. Washington County, located directly south of Benton County, posted growth of 10.51%. In the center of the state, Saline County had 9.09% growth during the 5-year period, while Craighead County in the northeastern region of Arkansas had growth of 7.89%. Faulkner County and Lonoke County saw smaller, yet still respectable growth, while other counties that grew include White County and Greene County.
Just as there has been population growth, some Arkansas counties have seen decreases in population between 2010 and 2015. All but two counties located along the eastern border have seen declines in population. This includes Phillips County (9.95% decrease), Desha County (7.71% decrease), and Lee County (6.98% decrease.) Sevier County and Scott County along the western border saw negative growth, as well as Lafayette County to the south, amongst others.
| Race | Population | Percentage |
| White | 2,302,874 | 77.00% |
| Black or African American | 460,970 | 15.41% |
| Some Other Race | 78,981 | 2.64% |
| Two or More Races | 75,852 | 2.54% |
| Asian | 43,988 | 1.47% |
| American Indian and Alaska Native | 20,037 | 0.67% |
| Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander | 7,969 | 0.27% |
Arkansas Population Pyramid 2020
Arkansas Households and Families
| Type | Count | Average Size | Owned |
| All | 1,152,175 | 2.52 | 65.7 |
| Married | 558,867 | 3.11 | 81.5 |
| Non Family | 387,359 | 1.23 | 52.6 |
| Female | 152,951 | 3.38 | 44.2 |
| Male | 52,998 | 3.29 | 55.4 |
Arkansas Education
| Education Attained | Count | Percentage |
| Less Than 9th Grade | 100,384 | 5.02% |
| 9th to 12th Grade | 175,645 | 8.79% |
| High School Graduate | 681,223 | 34.07% |
| Some College | 451,364 | 22.58% |
| Associates Degree | 139,070 | 6.96% |
| Bachelors Degree | 288,720 | 14.44% |
| Graduate Degree | 162,901 | 8.15% |
Arkansas Educational Attainment by Race
The highest rate of high school graduation is among white people with a rate of 88.91%.
The highest rate of bachelors degrees is among asian people with a rate of 49.22%.
$33,155
Average Earnings
$39,073
Average Male
$28,275
Average Female
Arkansas Language
Arkansas Language by Age
Arkansas Language
92.61% of Arkansas residents speak only English, while 7.39% speak other languages. The non-English language spoken by the largest group is Spanish, which is spoken by 5.34% of the population.
Arkansas Poverty
Arkansas Poverty by Race
| Name | Total | In Poverty | Poverty Rate |
| White | 2,114,972 | 290,844 | 13.75% |
| Black | 438,909 | 133,977 | 30.53% |
| Hispanic | 215,102 | 59,173 | 27.51% |
| Other | 77,627 | 21,758 | 28.03% |
| Multiple | 74,339 | 17,646 | 23.74% |
| Asian | 43,186 | 6,116 | 14.16% |
| Native | 19,399 | 4,630 | 23.87% |
| Islander | 7,833 | 2,428 | 31.00% |
17.58%
Overall Poverty Rate
15.94%
Male Poverty Rate
19.14%
Female Poverty Rate
Poverty in Arkansas
The race most likely to be in poverty in Arkansas is Islander, with 31.00% below the poverty level.
The race least likely to be in poverty in Arkansas is White, with 13.75% below the poverty level.
The poverty rate among those that worked full-time for the past 12 months was 3.84%. Among those working part-time, it was 21.78%, and for those that did not work, the poverty rate was 24.79%.
Arkansas Income
Arkansas Marital Status
Arkansas Marital Status
Marriage Rates
49.8%
Overall Marriage Rate
51.8%
Male Marriage Rate
48.0%
Female Marriage Rate
Arkansas Married by Age and Sex
Arkansas Marriage
The age group where males are most likely to be married is Over 65, while the female age group most likely to be married is 45-54.
Arkansas Marital Status by Race
Arkansas Veterans
Arkansas Veterans by Race
| Name | Veterans | % of Total |
| White | 172,517 | 9.57% |
| Black | 22,992 | 6.90% |
| Hispanic | 3,881 | 2.91% |
| 2 or More | 3,762 | 9.12% |
| Indian | 1,398 | 9.32% |
| Other | 1,014 | 2.04% |
| Asian | 701 | 2.07% |
| Hawaiian | 188 | 3.88% |
Arkansas Veterans by Education
8.92%
Veteran Poverty Rate
35.10%
Veteran Disability Rate
Arkansas Employment Status
58%
Labor Force Participation
54.7%
Employment Rate
5.5%
Unemployment Rate
Arkansas Place of Birth
Origin of Non Citizens
Non citizens include legal permanent residents (green card holders), international students, temporary workers, humanitarian migrants, and illegal immigrants.
Origin of Naturalized Citizens
95.24%
Native Born
4.76%
Foreign Born
3.24%
Non Citizen
Place of Birth
95.24% of Arkansas residents were born in the United States, with 61.25% having been born in Arkansas. 3.24% of residents are not US citizens. Of those not born in the United States, the largest percentage are from Latin America.
- Arkansas Census State Data Center
- US Census State Population Estimates - Most recent state estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
- US Census County Population Estimates - Most recent county estimates from the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program
- American Community Survey (2009 - 2013)
- Census QuickFacts
- Historical Populations of States and Counties (1790 - 1990)