St. Francis County, Arkansas

St. Francis County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population was 29,329. The county seat is Forrest City.

The Forrest City Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of St. Francis County.

History

The county was formed on October 13, 1827 and named for the St. Francis River.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,664 km² (642 mi²). 1,642 km² (634 mi²) of it is land and 22 km² (9 mi²) of it (1.33%) is water.

Major Highways

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Adjacent counties

*Cross County (north)
*Crittenden County (east)
*Lee County (south)
*Monroe County (southwest)
*Woodruff County (northwest)

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 29,329 people, 10,043 households, and 7,230 families residing in the county. The population density was 18/km² (46/mi²). There were 11,242 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (18/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 48.36% White, 49.01% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.56% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 1.40% from two or more races. 4.88% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 10,043 households out of which 35.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.90% were married couples living together, 20.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.00% were non-families. 25.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the county the population was spread out with 27.90% under the age of 18, 9.90% from 18 to 24, 29.10% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 11.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 105.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,146, and the median income for a family was $30,324. Males had a median income of $28,389 versus $20,578 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,483. About 23.10% of families and 27.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.70% of those under age 18 and 23.10% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

Notable Residents

World heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston was born in Johnson Township, St. Francis County.

References