Ashley County
countyAshley County, located in the southeastern part of Arkansas, embodies a rural character deeply rooted in timber and agriculture. The county was established in 1848 and named after Chester Ashley, a prominent lawyer and U.S. Senator. As of 2020, the population was 19,062. The county seat is Hamburg, though Crossett is the most populous city. Ashley County's economy is largely based on agriculture and small manufacturing. Key industries include timber, cotton, rice, and soybeans. Georgia-Pacific Corporation is a major employer in the county. While poverty and unemployment rates are above the national average, they remain steady. Ashley County is divided by Bayou Bartholomew, with fertile soils in the east and pine forests in the west. The county is home to several protected areas, including Overflow National Wildlife Refuge and Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.
Ashley County, Arkansas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 05003
- Country
- United States
- County
- Ashley County
- Region
- Arkansas Timberlands, a subdivision of the Piney Woods
- Total Area
- 941 sq mi
- Land Area
- 925 sq mi
- Water Area
- 15 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.2089
- Longitude
- -91.7953
- Climate
- The county is part of both the Mississippi Alluvial and West Gulf Coastal plains.
- Notable Features
- Bayou Bartholomew · Ouachita River · Overflow National Wildlife Refuge · Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge · Crossett Experimental Forest
- Neighboring Areas
- Drew County, AR · Chicot County, AR · Union County, AR · Morehouse Parish, LA
- Population (2020)
- 19,062
- Est. Population (2026)
- 17,488
- Median Age
- 42.7
- Median Income
- $44,481
- Poverty Rate
- 22.7%
- Owner-Occupied
- 72.1%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 67.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 24.6% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 3.11% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 2.48% White (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- Quorum Court
- Governing Body
- Ashley County Quorum Court
- Body Size
- 9 members
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.5%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Agriculture-based · Timber-based
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Georgia-Pacific Corporation · Bemis Company · Barnes Companies
- School Districts
- Hamburg School District · Crossett School District
- Colleges & Universities
- University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology—Crossett
- Transportation
- U.S. Highway 425 · U.S. Highway 82
- Major Facilities
- Ashley County Medical Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Overflow National Wildlife Refuge · Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
- Founded
- 1848
- Named After
- Chester Ashley, a U.S. Senator
- Historical Significance
- Ashley County is a rural South Arkansas county with a culture, economy, and history based on timber and agriculture.
- Key Events
- County formed from parts of Drew, Chicot, and Union counties · Early economy relied on enslaved labor · Growth of timber industry in the late 19th century