Polk County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population is 20,229. The county seat is Mena. The county was formed on November 30, 1844 and named for James Polk, President of the United States.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,234 km² (862 mi²). 2,226 km² (859 mi²) of it is land and 8 km² (3 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.35% water.

Adjacent counties

• Scott County (north)
• Montgomery County (east)
• Howard County (southeast)
• Sevier County (south)
• McCurtain County, Oklahoma (southwest)
• Le Flore County, Oklahoma (northwest)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 20,229 people, 8,047 households, and 5,793 families residing in the county. The population density is 9/km² (24/mi²). There are 9,236 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (11/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 94.69% White, 0.16% Black or African American, 1.49% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.72% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. 3.50% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 8,047 households out of which 31.90% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.40% are married couples living together, 8.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% are non-families. 25.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.30% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 2.97.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 25.00% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 17.00% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $25,180, and the median income for a family is $31,379. Males have a median income of $23,397 versus $17,294 for females. The per capita income for the county is $14,063. 18.20% of the population and 14.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 23.50% are under the age of 18 and 16.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and towns