Crawford County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 35°34′00″N94°15′00″W / 35.566666666667°N 94.25°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Arkansas |
Named for | William H. Crawford |
Seat | Van Buren |
Largest city | Van Buren |
Area | |
• Total | 604 sq mi (1,560 km2) |
• Land | 593 sq mi (1,540 km2) |
• Water | 11 sq mi (30 km2) 1.8% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 60,133 |
• Density | 100/sq mi (38/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 3rd |
Website | www |
Crawford County is a county located in the Ozarks region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 60,133. [1] The county seat and largest city is Van Buren. [2] Crawford County was formed on October 18, 1820, from the former Lovely County and Indian Territory, and was named for William H. Crawford, the United States Secretary of War in 1815. [3]
Located largely within the Ozarks, the southern border of the county is the Arkansas River, placing the extreme southern edge of the county in the Arkansas River Valley. The frontier county became an early crossroads, beginning with a California Gold Rush and developing into the Butterfield Overland Mail, Civil War trails and railroads such as the St. Louis and San Francisco Railway, the Little Rock and Fort Smith Railroad, and the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway. Today the county is home to the intersection of two major interstate highways, Interstate 40 (I-40) and I-49. Crawford County is part of the Fort Smith metropolitan area. As a dry county, alcohol sales are generally prohibited, though recent changes to county law provide for exemptions.
Crawford County is located in the northwest region of Arkansas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 604 square miles (1,560 km2), of which 593 square miles (1,540 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (1.8%) is water. [4]
Crawford County is included in an area designated for a planned extension of I-49 into Arkansas. The final project will connect New Orleans, Louisiana, to Kansas City, Missouri, a large trucking corridor which is currently not served by an Interstate highway. The proposed highway would utilize portions of I-49 which currently runs north from Van Buren toward the Missouri state line passing through Benton County, home of Walmart. The corridor was listed as the number-one high-priority corridor by transportation officials in the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1830 | 2,440 | — | |
1840 | 4,266 | 74.8% | |
1850 | 7,960 | 86.6% | |
1860 | 7,850 | −1.4% | |
1870 | 8,957 | 14.1% | |
1880 | 14,740 | 64.6% | |
1890 | 21,714 | 47.3% | |
1900 | 21,270 | −2.0% | |
1910 | 23,942 | 12.6% | |
1920 | 25,739 | 7.5% | |
1930 | 22,549 | −12.4% | |
1940 | 23,920 | 6.1% | |
1950 | 22,727 | −5.0% | |
1960 | 21,318 | −6.2% | |
1970 | 25,677 | 20.4% | |
1980 | 36,892 | 43.7% | |
1990 | 42,493 | 15.2% | |
2000 | 53,247 | 25.3% | |
2010 | 61,948 | 16.3% | |
2020 | 60,133 | −2.9% | |
2023 (est.) | 61,891 | [5] | 2.9% |
U.S. Decennial Census [6] 1790–1960 [7] 1900–1990 [8] 1990–2000 [9] 2010 [10] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 47,627 | 79.2% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 857 | 1.43% |
Native American | 1,366 | 2.27% |
Asian | 939 | 1.56% |
Pacific Islander | 27 | 0.04% |
Other/Mixed | 4,750 | 7.9% |
Hispanic or Latino | 4,567 | 7.59% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 60,133 people, 23,958 households, and 17,082 families residing in the county.
As of the 2000 census, [12] there were 53,247 people, 19,702 households, and 15,150 families residing in the county. The population density was 35/km2 (91/sq mi). There were 21,315 housing units at an average density of 14/km2 (36/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 92.19% White, 0.87% Black or African American, 2.01% Native American, 1.19% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.48% from other races, and 2.24% from two or more races. 3.27% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 19,702 households, out of which 37.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.20% were married couples living together, 10.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.10% were non-families. 20.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.20% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 29.30% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,871, and the median income for a family was $36,741. Males had a median income of $29,581 versus $20,352 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,015. About 10.90% of families and 14.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.30% of those under age 18 and 13.70% of those age 65 or over.
Thousands of self-claimed "Western Band of Cherokee" (or Arkansas Cherokees) fought for state and federal recognition as a political entity of Native Americans. Crawford County (specifically, that area known as "Lovely's Purchase") was historically part of the Cherokee Nation, which lost its tribal sovereignty status as a result of the U.S. Civil War in the 1860s. The Cherokee Nation was subsequently relocated to the west in the present-day state of Oklahoma. [ citation needed ]
The violent arrest of Randal Worcester by two Crawford County sheriff's deputies and one Mulberry police officer took place in Mulberry, Crawford County, in August 2022. [13]
Crawford County is a longtime Republican stronghold, so much so that not even former governor and native Arkansan Bill Clinton was able to carry it in either of his presidential victories. The last Democrat (as of 2020) to carry this county was Jimmy Carter in 1976.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 18,607 | 77.24% | 4,959 | 20.58% | 525 | 2.18% |
2016 | 16,686 | 74.33% | 4,488 | 19.99% | 1,276 | 5.68% |
2012 | 15,145 | 73.55% | 4,881 | 23.70% | 565 | 2.74% |
2008 | 14,688 | 71.54% | 5,238 | 25.51% | 606 | 2.95% |
2004 | 13,391 | 65.64% | 6,764 | 33.16% | 246 | 1.21% |
2000 | 10,804 | 61.30% | 6,288 | 35.68% | 533 | 3.02% |
1996 | 7,182 | 45.42% | 6,749 | 42.68% | 1,883 | 11.91% |
1992 | 6,882 | 42.57% | 6,656 | 41.18% | 2,627 | 16.25% |
1988 | 9,092 | 70.85% | 3,582 | 27.91% | 158 | 1.23% |
1984 | 9,551 | 75.20% | 3,071 | 24.18% | 79 | 0.62% |
1980 | 8,542 | 66.22% | 3,948 | 30.61% | 409 | 3.17% |
1976 | 4,764 | 44.48% | 5,946 | 55.52% | 0 | 0.00% |
1972 | 6,974 | 81.41% | 1,520 | 17.74% | 72 | 0.84% |
1968 | 2,723 | 37.73% | 1,578 | 21.86% | 2,917 | 40.41% |
1964 | 3,294 | 48.07% | 3,537 | 51.62% | 21 | 0.31% |
1960 | 3,373 | 57.10% | 2,430 | 41.14% | 104 | 1.76% |
1956 | 3,090 | 52.88% | 2,723 | 46.60% | 30 | 0.51% |
1952 | 2,782 | 52.80% | 2,477 | 47.01% | 10 | 0.19% |
1948 | 1,002 | 33.94% | 1,730 | 58.60% | 220 | 7.45% |
1944 | 1,141 | 39.87% | 1,702 | 59.47% | 19 | 0.66% |
1940 | 691 | 29.81% | 1,581 | 68.21% | 46 | 1.98% |
1936 | 697 | 26.09% | 1,963 | 73.47% | 12 | 0.45% |
1932 | 809 | 21.16% | 2,962 | 77.46% | 53 | 1.39% |
1928 | 1,559 | 47.21% | 1,743 | 52.79% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 996 | 34.23% | 1,445 | 49.66% | 469 | 16.12% |
1920 | 1,497 | 44.06% | 1,861 | 54.77% | 40 | 1.18% |
1916 | 1,195 | 42.42% | 1,622 | 57.58% | 0 | 0.00% |
1912 | 407 | 21.65% | 969 | 51.54% | 504 | 26.81% |
1908 | 1,339 | 43.49% | 1,661 | 53.95% | 79 | 2.57% |
1904 | 941 | 49.97% | 875 | 46.47% | 67 | 3.56% |
1900 | 1,060 | 41.78% | 1,449 | 57.11% | 28 | 1.10% |
1896 | 1,311 | 40.98% | 1,870 | 58.46% | 18 | 0.56% |
Townships in Arkansas are the divisions of a county. Each township includes unincorporated areas; some may have incorporated cities or towns within part of their boundaries. Arkansas townships have limited purposes in modern times. However, the United States census does list Arkansas population based on townships (sometimes referred to as "county subdivisions" or "minor civil divisions"). Townships are also of value for historical purposes in terms of genealogical research. Each town or city is within one or more townships in an Arkansas county based on census maps and publications. The townships of Crawford County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township. [15] [16]
Crawford County is a county located in Southeast Kansas. Its county seat is Girard, and its most populous city is Pittsburg. As of the 2020 census, the county population was 38,972. The county was named in honor of Samuel Crawford, the 3rd governor of Kansas. Pittsburg State University is located in Crawford County.
Washington County is a regional economic, educational, and cultural hub in the Northwest Arkansas region. Created as Arkansas's 17th county on November 30, 1848, Washington County has 13 incorporated municipalities, including Fayetteville, the county seat, and Springdale. The county is also the site of small towns, bedroom communities, and unincorporated places. The county is named for George Washington, the first President of the United States.
Van Buren County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 15,796. The county seat is Clinton. The county was formed on November 11, 1833, and named for Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, who was Vice President at the time of the county's formation. Van Buren County was a dry county until November 3, 2020, as the county residents voted to make it a wet county.
Stone County is located in the Ozark Mountains in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for rugged, rocky area terrain of the Ozarks. Created as Arkansas's 74th county on April 21, 1873, Stone County has two incorporated cities: Mountain View, the county seat and most populous city, and Fifty-Six. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns.
Sharp County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,271. The county seat is Ash Flat. The county was formed on July 18, 1868, and named for Ephraim Sharp, a state legislator from the area.
Searcy County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 7,828. The county seat is Marshall. The county was formed December 13, 1838, from a portion of Marion County and named for Richard Searcy, the first clerk and judge in the Arkansas Territory. The city of Searcy, Arkansas, some 70 miles away, shares the name despite having never been part of Searcy County. The county is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Saline County is located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 123,416. Its county seat and largest city is Benton. Saline County was formed on November 2, 1835, and named for the salt water (brine) springs in the area, despite a differing pronunciation from saline. Until November 2014, it was an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Johnson County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,749. The county seat is Clarksville. Johnson County is Arkansas's 30th county, formed on November 16, 1833, from a portion of Pope County and named for Benjamin Johnson, a Territorial Judge. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Franklin County is a county in Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 17,097. The county has two county seats, Charleston and Ozark. The county was formed on December 19, 1837, and named for Benjamin Franklin, American statesman. Franklin County is a damp county, with alcohol sales allowed except in Prairie & Alix townships, and limits on liquor sales in the city of Branch.
Faulkner County is located in the Central Arkansas region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 123,498, making it the fifth most populous of Arkansas's 75 counties. The county seat and largest city is Conway. Faulkner County was created on April 12, 1873, one of nine counties formed during Reconstruction, and is named for Sandford C. Faulkner, better known as Sandy Faulkner, a popular figure in the state at the time.
Cleburne County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,711. The county seat and most populous city is Heber Springs. The county was formed on February 20, 1883, as the last of Arkansas's 75 counties to be formed. It is named for Confederate Major-General Patrick Cleburne. Cleburne is an alcohol prohibition or dry county.
Alma is a city in Crawford County, in far western Arkansas, United States. It is located within the Arkansas River Valley at the edge of the Ozark Mountains; the city is the sixth largest in the Fort Smith metropolitan area. The population was 5,419 at the 2010 Census. Interstates 40 and 49 were constructed to intersect near the exicting city.
Cedarville is a city in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,410 at the 2020 census.
Dyer is a city in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 876 at the 2010 census.
Kibler is a city in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 Census the population was 961.
Mountainburg is a town in Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. It is part of the Fort Smith, Arkansas-Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2010 census the population was 631.
Van Buren is the second-largest city in the Fort Smith, Arkansas–Oklahoma Metropolitan Statistical Area and the county seat of Crawford County, Arkansas, United States. The city is located directly northeast of Fort Smith at the Interstate 40 – Interstate 540 junction. The city was incorporated in 1845 and as of the 2020 census had a population of 23,218, ranking it as the state's 21st largest city.
Interstate 540 (I-540) is a freeway spur route of I-40 in the US state of Arkansas in Fort Smith. The total length is 14.71 miles (23.67 km). At first, I-540 was a short spur connecting Fort Smith and Van Buren to I-40 as one of the original five Arkansas Interstates. The route ran just over 14 miles (23 km) to U.S. Highway 271 (US 271) near the Oklahoma state line. The growing Northwest Arkansas area and the University of Arkansas needed an Interstate connection to Little Rock, and through traffic north to Kansas City had also outgrown the winding US 71 north from I-40. The route was extended north to Mountainburg in the late 1990s on an all-new alignment with the route being completed to Bella Vista in January 1999. However, the segment north of I-40 became a part of I-49 in 2014.
The Fort Smith Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is a five-county area including three Arkansas counties and two Oklahoma counties, and anchored by the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas. The total MSA population in 2000 was 273,170 people, estimated by the Bureau to have grown to 289,693 people by 2007.
Highway 162 is a designation for two east–west state highways in Crawford County, Arkansas. One segment of 5.39 miles (8.67 km) runs east from Highway 59 in Cedarville to Crawford County Road 25 at Hobbtown. A second route of 11.29 miles (18.17 km) begins at US 64/US 71B in Van Buren and runs east to Interstate 40/US 71/US 71B in Alma. Both routes are maintained by the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD).