Desha County
countyDesha County is located in the southeastern part of Arkansas, bordering the Mississippi River. The county's seat is Arkansas City. As of 2020, the population was 11,395. The county has a rich history tied to the Arkansas Delta and a significant African American population. Agriculture has historically been a cornerstone of Desha County's economy, with cotton playing a dominant role in the past. Today, the county is still a leading agricultural producer, with fertile soil and ample water resources. Major employers are in sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Desha County is distinctive for its historical significance in the Arkansas Delta, including the Rohwer War Relocation Center, a Japanese American internment camp during World War II. The county offers outdoor recreation opportunities and is working to revitalize its economy and attract visitors by highlighting its history, culture, and natural environment.
Desha County, Arkansas
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 05-041
- Country
- United States
- County
- Desha County
- Region
- Arkansas Delta
- Total Area
- 820 sq mi
- Land Area
- 768 sq mi
- Water Area
- 51 sq mi
- Latitude
- 33.7578
- Longitude
- -91.2872
- Climate
- The climate in Desha County allows for year-round river navigation due to the absence of ice during winter months.
- Notable Features
- Mississippi River · Arkansas River · White River · Arkansas Delta
- Neighboring Areas
- Arkansas County · Phillips County · Bolivar County, Mississippi · Chicot County · Drew County · Lincoln County
- Population (2020)
- 11,395
- Est. Population (2024)
- 10,321
- Median Age
- 41.2
- Median Income
- $36,064
- Poverty Rate
- 28.9%
- Owner-Occupied
- 60.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was approximately 48.6% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 42.8% White (Non-Hispanic), and 6.93% Hispanic.
- Unemployment Rate
- 6.8%
- Economic Profile
- Agricultural
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Educational Services
- School Districts
- Dumas School District · McGehee School District · Arkansas Virtual Academy
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Trusten Holder Wildlife Management Area · Community Park · Memorial Park · Morgan Point Recreation Area · Pendleton Recreation Area · Stephens Park · Wiley A McGehee Park
- Founded
- 1838
- Named After
- Captain Benjamin Desha
- Historical Significance
- Desha County's history is closely tied to the Arkansas Delta's agricultural past and the significant impact of historical events like the Civil War and the Great Migration.
- Key Events
- Established December 12, 1838 · Rohwer War Relocation Center (Japanese American internment camp) · 1927 Flood






