White County | |
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White County Courthouse and Confederate monument in Searcy | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Arkansas | |
![]() Arkansas's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 35°15′21″N91°44′05″W / 35.255833333333°N 91.734722222222°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | October 23, 1835 |
Named for | Hugh Lawson White |
Seat | Searcy |
Largest city | Searcy |
Area | |
• Total | 1,042 sq mi (2,700 km2) |
• Land | 1,035 sq mi (2,680 km2) |
• Water | 7.1 sq mi (18 km2) 0.7% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 76,822 |
• Density | 74/sq mi (28/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 2nd |
Website | www |
White County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 76,822. [1] The county seat is Searcy. [2] White County is Arkansas's 31st county, formed on October 23, 1835, from portions of Independence, Jackson, and Pulaski counties and named for Hugh Lawson White, a Whig candidate for President of the United States. It is an alcohol prohibition or dry county, though a few private establishments (such as the Searcy Country Club, and Veterans of Foreign Wars posts in Searcy and Beebe) can serve alcohol.
White County comprises the Searcy, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Little Rock-North Little Rock, AR Combined Statistical Area.
On May 17, 1862, White County was the site of the Little Red Skirmish between Union Major General Samuel J Curtis and a force of about 100 loosely-organized Confederates, followed by the battle at Whitney Lane in June. [3] also known as The Skirmish at Searcy Landing. [4]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,042 square miles (2,700 km2), of which 1,035 square miles (2,680 km2) is land and 7.1 square miles (18 km2) (0.7%) is water. [5] It is the second-largest county by area in Arkansas.
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 929 | — | |
1850 | 2,619 | 181.9% | |
1860 | 8,316 | 217.5% | |
1870 | 10,347 | 24.4% | |
1880 | 17,794 | 72.0% | |
1890 | 22,946 | 29.0% | |
1900 | 24,864 | 8.4% | |
1910 | 28,574 | 14.9% | |
1920 | 34,603 | 21.1% | |
1930 | 38,269 | 10.6% | |
1940 | 37,176 | −2.9% | |
1950 | 38,040 | 2.3% | |
1960 | 32,745 | −13.9% | |
1970 | 39,253 | 19.9% | |
1980 | 50,835 | 29.5% | |
1990 | 54,676 | 7.6% | |
2000 | 67,165 | 22.8% | |
2010 | 77,076 | 14.8% | |
2020 | 76,822 | −0.3% | |
2023 (est.) | 78,452 | [7] | 2.1% |
U.S. Decennial Census [8] 1790–1960 [9] 1900–1990 [10] 1990–2000 [11] 2010 [12] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 64,363 | 83.78% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 3,677 | 4.79% |
Native American | 319 | 0.42% |
Asian | 616 | 0.8% |
Pacific Islander | 25 | 0.03% |
Other/Mixed | 4,323 | 5.63% |
Hispanic or Latino | 3,499 | 4.55% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 76,822 people, 28,621 households, and 18,028 families residing in the county.
As of the 2000 United States Census, [15] there were 67,165 people, 25,148 households, and 18,408 families residing in the county. The population density was 65 inhabitants per square mile (25/km2). There were 27,613 housing units at an average density of 27 per square mile (10/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.52% White, 3.56% Black or African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races. 1.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 25,148 households, out of which 33.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.90% were married couples living together, 9.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 23.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.98.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.40% under the age of 18, 12.80% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,203, and the median income for a family was $38,782. Males had a median income of $29,884 versus $20,323 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,890. About 10.40% of families and 14.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.10% of those under age 18 and 14.30% of those age 65 or over.
In 1988, White County elected virtually an entire slate of Republicans to county offices. Though such Republican sweeps had frequently occurred in northern and northwestern Arkansas, White County was the first in the Little Rock area to turn to Republicans as the party steadily made inroads toward a two-party system. [16] A portion of White County is represented in the Arkansas State Senate by the Republican Ronald R. Caldwell, a real estate businessman from Wynne in Cross County. The 45th and current White County Judge is Michael Lincoln of Searcy, who assumed office in January 2007. Over the past few election cycles White County has trended heavily towards the GOP. The last Democrat (as of 2020) to carry this county was Bill Clinton in 1996.
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
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No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 24,182 | 78.30% | 5,978 | 19.36% | 725 | 2.35% |
2016 | 21,077 | 75.28% | 5,170 | 18.46% | 1,752 | 6.26% |
2012 | 20,011 | 75.47% | 5,765 | 21.74% | 738 | 2.78% |
2008 | 19,467 | 72.22% | 6,732 | 24.97% | 756 | 2.80% |
2004 | 17,001 | 64.34% | 9,129 | 34.55% | 295 | 1.12% |
2000 | 13,170 | 59.46% | 8,342 | 37.66% | 638 | 2.88% |
1996 | 8,659 | 41.25% | 10,204 | 48.61% | 2,128 | 10.14% |
1992 | 8,538 | 39.60% | 10,494 | 48.67% | 2,531 | 11.74% |
1988 | 11,094 | 60.84% | 6,957 | 38.15% | 183 | 1.00% |
1984 | 12,566 | 64.66% | 6,603 | 33.97% | 266 | 1.37% |
1980 | 8,079 | 46.66% | 8,750 | 50.54% | 484 | 2.80% |
1976 | 4,756 | 29.42% | 11,412 | 70.58% | 0 | 0.00% |
1972 | 8,701 | 67.24% | 4,161 | 32.15% | 79 | 0.61% |
1968 | 3,887 | 32.02% | 3,198 | 26.34% | 5,054 | 41.63% |
1964 | 5,023 | 42.99% | 6,566 | 56.20% | 95 | 0.81% |
1960 | 3,985 | 40.52% | 5,244 | 53.33% | 605 | 6.15% |
1956 | 3,813 | 43.58% | 4,895 | 55.94% | 42 | 0.48% |
1952 | 2,884 | 40.79% | 4,179 | 59.11% | 7 | 0.10% |
1948 | 833 | 18.01% | 3,193 | 69.04% | 599 | 12.95% |
1944 | 1,346 | 34.71% | 2,532 | 65.29% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 876 | 20.64% | 3,345 | 78.80% | 24 | 0.57% |
1936 | 535 | 17.57% | 2,503 | 82.20% | 7 | 0.23% |
1932 | 430 | 11.61% | 3,251 | 87.75% | 24 | 0.65% |
1928 | 1,957 | 45.73% | 2,299 | 53.73% | 23 | 0.54% |
1924 | 679 | 27.69% | 1,488 | 60.69% | 285 | 11.62% |
1920 | 1,359 | 37.82% | 2,086 | 58.06% | 148 | 4.12% |
1916 | 673 | 19.25% | 2,823 | 80.75% | 0 | 0.00% |
1912 | 380 | 15.10% | 1,448 | 57.53% | 689 | 27.37% |
1908 | 887 | 29.20% | 1,788 | 58.85% | 363 | 11.95% |
1904 | 676 | 31.40% | 1,238 | 57.50% | 239 | 11.10% |
1900 | 811 | 30.26% | 1,694 | 63.21% | 175 | 6.53% |
1896 | 559 | 16.16% | 2,876 | 83.12% | 25 | 0.72% |
One of the state's largest banks, First Security Bank, was established in Searcy in 1932 as Security Bank. First Security now has over $8 billion in assets and 78 locations in Arkansas.
The first Wal-Mart distribution center away from the corporate headquarters in Bentonville was established in Searcy.
Public education is provided by several public school districts including:
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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 White County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township. [18] [19]
Source: [20]
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.
Boone County is located in the U.S. state of Arkansas, along the Missouri border. As of the 2020 census, the population was 37,373. The county seat is Harrison. It is Arkansas's 62nd county, formed on April 9, 1869.
Bald Knob is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 2,897 at the 2010 census. Located at the intersection of two of the state's natural regions, Bald Knob is often promoted as "where the Ozarks meet the Delta". Bald Knob is known for its yearly Home Fest held during Mother's Day weekend. It was once known as the leading strawberry producer in the world in the 1950s. Bald Knob was established in 1881.
Beebe is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 7,315 at the 2010 U.S. Census, making it the second most populous in the county. The city is home to Arkansas State University-Beebe. ASU-Beebe also has branch campuses in Heber Springs and Searcy and at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Griffithville is a town in White County, Arkansas, United States. Windle Porter is the current mayor. The population was 262 at the 2000 census.
Judsonia is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. Stan Robinson is the current mayor, first elected in 2018. The population was 1,854 at the 2020 census. The city is located immediately northeast of neighboring Searcy, and north of the Little Red River before it turns southeast toward the White River.
Kensett is a city in White County, Arkansas, United States. Located adjacent to the east side of Searcy, the city is the hometown of noted legislator Wilbur D. Mills, who was influential throughout the 1960s and 1970s in the United States House of Representatives.
Searcy is the largest city and county seat of White County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2019 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 23,767. It is the principal city of the Searcy, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses all of White County. The city takes its name from Richard Searcy, a judge for the Superior Court of the Arkansas Territory. A college town, Searcy is the home of Harding University and ASU-Searcy.
Romance is an unincorporated community in west-central White County, Arkansas, United States. The community is located approximately halfway between the town of Rose Bud to the north, and the unincorporated community of El Paso to the south. Alternately, the community is about 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Beebe, and less than 5 miles (8 km) east of Mount Vernon.
El Paso is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in southwestern White County, Arkansas, United States. It was first listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 267. Its name is Spanish for "the pass", referring to a small gap in the hills on the community's northern edge. Once known as Peach Orchard Gap in its early settlement, the origin of El Paso's Spanish name is unknown.
Highway 87 is a designation for four north–south state highways in Arkansas. Created during the 1926 Arkansas state highway numbering, the original alignment remains between Bradford and Pleasant Plains, though it has been revised and extended over the years. The three remaining segments are former county roads, connecting rural communities to local points of interest and other state highways. All three were added to the state highway system in 1973 during a period of system expansion. All segments are maintained by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT).
Floyd is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in western White County, Arkansas, United States. It was first listed as a CDP in the 2020 census with a population of 377. The rural community is situated along Highways 31 and 305, in addition to the county-maintained El Paso Road. Though relatively small, the community maintains a variety of activities and institutions throughout the year, notably its annual parade and display of fireworks during Independence Day.
U.S. Route 64 is a U.S. highway running from Teec Nos Pos, Arizona east to Nags Head, North Carolina. In the U.S. state of Arkansas, the route runs 246.35 miles (396.46 km) from the Oklahoma border in Fort Smith east to the Tennessee border in Memphis. The route passes through several cities and towns, including Fort Smith, Clarksville, Russellville, Conway, Searcy, and West Memphis. US 64 runs parallel to Interstate 40 until Conway, when I-40 takes a more southerly route.
Highway 13 is a designation for three state highways in the central part of the U.S. state of Arkansas. The longest segment of 54.58 miles (87.84 km) travels from U.S. Route 79 (US 79) in Humphrey to Campground Road east of Beebe. There exists two short segments in White County; one traveling 9.90 miles (15.93 km) from Highway 367 in McRae to Highway 36 in Searcy and the other traveling 6.13 miles (9.87 km) from Highway 367 in Judsonia to Highway 258.
Arkansas Highway 385 is a designation for two state highways in White County, Arkansas. The southern segment of 8.98 miles (14.45 km) runs from Griffithville to Kensett. A northern segment of 6.23 miles (10.03 km) runs from Highway 367 in Judsonia to Plainview.
Reed Township is one of thirty-seven townships in Washington County, Arkansas, USA. As of the 2000 census, its total population was 410.
Riverview School District is a public school district based in Searcy, Arkansas, United States. The Riverview School District provides early childhood, elementary and secondary education for more than 1,300 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students throughout southeast White County at its campuses in eastern Searcy, Kensett, Judsonia; it serves a far eastern portion of Searcy and almost all of Judsonia. It also serves Griffithville.
Riverview High School is an accredited comprehensive public high school based in the town of Searcy, Arkansas, United States. Riverview provides secondary education for grades 9 through 12 to students in the communities of Searcy, Judsonia, Kensett and surrounding unincorporated communities of White County, Arkansas. It is the only high school of the Riverview School District.
White County Central School District is a public school district based in unincorporated White County, Arkansas, United States, near the Providence community, north of Judsonia. The district encompasses 59.32 square miles (153.6 km2) of land including a small northwestern portion of the city limits of Judsonia. Schools in the district provide early childhood, elementary and secondary education to Providence and Steprock, as well as surrounding unincorporated communities in central White County along the Arkansas Highway 157 corridor, and near Pangburn and Bald Knob.
Highway 36 is a state highway in Central Arkansas. The highway begins at U.S. Highway 64 (US 64) at Hamlet and runs east through several small communities to Searcy, where it serves as the Beebe-Capps Expressway, a major crosstown arterial roadway. Following a discontinuity at US 64/US 67/US 167, the highway continues east to Kensett as Wilbur D. Mills Avenue before state maintenance ends at the small community of Georgetown. This highway is maintained by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).