Faulkner County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population is 86,014. The county seat is Conway.

History

Faulkner County was formed on 12 April 1873 and is named after Colonel Sanford C. 'Sandy' Faulkner who was the composer of the popular fiddle tune "The Arkansas Traveller".

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,720 km² (664 mi²). 1,677 km² (647 mi²) of it is land and 43 km² (17 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.50% water.

Adjacent counties

• Cleburne County (northeast)
• White County (east)
• Lonoke County (southeast)
• Pulaski County (south)
• Perry County (southwest)
• Conway County (west)
• Van Buren County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 86,014 people, 31,882 households, and 22,444 families residing in the county. The population density is 51/km² (133/mi²). There are 34,546 housing units at an average density of 21/km² (53/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 88.33% White, 8.48% Black or African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. 1.75% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 31,882 households out of which 35.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% are married couples living together, 10.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.60% are non-families. 22.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 6.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.57 and the average family size is 3.04.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 15.30% from 18 to 24, 30.10% from 25 to 44, 19.50% from 45 to 64, and 9.50% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 31 years. For every 100 females there are 95.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 92.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $38,204, and the median income for a family is $45,946. Males have a median income of $32,288 versus $24,428 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,988. 12.50% of the population and 7.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.90% of those under the age of 18 and 12.00% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns