ARKANSAS COUNTY

Arkansas County, Arkansas—located in the southeastern portion of the Arkansas Delta—is a county deeply connected to the agricultural, cultural, and historical foundations of the state. Established in 1813, Arkansas County is recognized as the oldest county in Arkansas and played a significant role in the territory’s early settlement and development. The county’s landscape is shaped by fertile Delta farmland, rivers, wetlands, and wildlife areas that continue to influence both the local economy and way of life. Historically, the county served as an important center for trade and exploration, with the historic site of Arkansas Post National Memorial preserving the location of the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley and the first territorial capital of Arkansas.

The county includes communities such as DeWitt (county seat), Stuttgart, Gillett, Almyra, Humphrey, and Tichnor, where agriculture remains central to the region’s identity and economy. Arkansas County is nationally recognized for rice production, duck hunting, and waterfowl tourism, with Stuttgart widely known as the “Rice and Duck Capital of the World.” The county also benefits from natural and recreational assets including portions of the White River National Wildlife Refuge, which supports conservation, outdoor recreation, and tourism throughout the Delta. Local industries continue to be driven by agriculture, agribusiness, manufacturing, and outdoor tourism, helping sustain employment and regional economic activity.

Arkansas County’s location within the Delta and along regional transportation corridors contributes to its role as a center for agriculture and commerce, while also connecting residents to surrounding communities and services. The county has a population of approximately 17,000–18,000 residents, with many families connected to farming, education, healthcare, and small business industries. However, like many rural Delta counties, Arkansas County experiences ongoing economic and workforce challenges. Median household income remains below national averages, and poverty rates continue to impact many households—particularly among children and older adults. These factors can affect long-term economic mobility and access to resources across the county.

Like many communities across the Arkansas Delta, Arkansas County faces challenges related to healthcare access, behavioral health services, workforce shortages, and broadband infrastructure. Rural residents may experience longer travel distances for specialized medical care, while limited access to behavioral health providers and transportation barriers can further impact overall well-being. Although broadband expansion efforts continue across Arkansas, connectivity gaps in rural areas still affect education, telehealth access, workforce development, and economic growth opportunities. Housing needs, aging infrastructure, and disparities in access to essential services also remain ongoing concerns for many residents throughout the county.