Pope County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population is 54,469. The county seat is Russellville. The county was formed on November 2, 1829 and named for John Pope, Territorial governor.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,152 km² (831 mi²). 2,103 km² (812 mi²) of it is land and 49 km² (19 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.27% water.

Adjacent counties

• Newton County (northwest)
• Searcy County & Van Buren County (northeast)
• Conway County (southeast)
• Yell County (south)
• Logan County (southwest)
• Johnson County (west)

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 54,469 people, 20,701 households, and 15,008 families residing in the county. The population density is 26/km² (67/mi²). There are 22,851 housing units at an average density of 11/km² (28/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 93.73% White, 2.61% Black or African American, 0.68% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.93% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. 2.06% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,701 households out of which 34.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% are married couples living together, 10.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.50% are non-families. 23.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.55 and the average family size is 3.00.

In the county the population is spread out with 25.50% under the age of 18, 11.60% from 18 to 24, 28.20% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $32,069, and the median income for a family is $39,055. Males have a median income of $29,914 versus $19,307 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,918. 15.20% of the population and 11.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.80% of those under the age of 18 and 14.00% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities and towns