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Randolph County

county

Randolph County, Arkansas, nestled between the Ozark Mountains and the Arkansas Delta in the northeastern part of the state, offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history. As of 2024, the county's population is estimated to be around 19,040. The county seat and largest city is Pocahontas, which serves as a hub for commerce and culture. Randolph County's landscape is characterized by rolling hills in the west and fertile flatlands in the east, divided roughly by the Black River. Agriculture and small manufacturing drive the local economy, with tourism also playing a significant role. Key industries include agriculture (particularly row crops), healthcare, and retail. Black River Technical College provides educational opportunities and workforce training. The county is served by several major highways, facilitating regional connectivity. What makes Randolph County distinctive is its abundance of rivers – the Black, Current, Eleven Point, Fourche, and Spring – making it the only county in Arkansas with five major rivers within its borders. These waterways have shaped the county's history, economy, and recreational opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts for fishing, canoeing, and hunting. Davidsonville Historic State Park preserves the site of one of Arkansas's earliest settlements, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Randolph County, Arkansas

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
05121
Country
United States
County
Randolph County
Geography
Region
Northeastern Arkansas, Ozark Mountains foothills and Arkansas Delta
Total Area
656.04 sq mi
Land Area
651.83 sq mi
Water Area
4.21 sq mi
Latitude
36.344722
Longitude
-91.012778
Climate
The climate of Randolph County is characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters. The county receives ample rainfall throughout the year.
Notable Features
Black River · Current River · Eleven Point River · Fourche River · Spring River · Ozark Mountains foothills · Arkansas Delta
Neighboring Areas
Clay County, AR · Greene County, AR · Lawrence County, AR · Sharp County, AR · Oregon County, MO · Ripley County, MO
Demographics
Population (2020)
18,571
Est. Population (2024)
19,040
Median Age
39.3
Median Income
$52,838
Poverty Rate
21.1%
Owner-Occupied
73.2%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 89.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.54% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 2.49% Native Hawaiian & Other Pacific Islander (Non-Hispanic), 1.67% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), and 1.21% Two Races Including Other (Non-Hispanic).
Governance
Government Type
Quorum court
Governing Body
Quorum Court
Body Size
9 members
Municipal Services
Law enforcement · Road maintenance · Emergency services
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.8% (December 2025)
Economic Profile
Agriculture · Small Manufacturing · Tourism
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
Major Employers
Peco Foods · Pocahontas Aluminum Company
Education
Schools
7
Students
2,522
School Districts
Pocahontas School District · Maynard School District
Colleges & Universities
Black River Technical College
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 62 · U.S. Highway 67 · Arkansas Highway 166 · Pocahontas Municipal Airport · Proposed Pocahontas Bypass
Utilities
Rural water systems · Electric cooperatives
Major Facilities
St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center · Randolph County Courthouse · Pocahontas Train Depot Visitor Information Center
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Black River · Current River · Eleven Point River · Fourche River · Spring River · Davidsonville Historic State Park · Dave Donaldson/Black River WMA · Robert L. Hankins/Mud Creek Upland WMA
Parks & Trails
Davidsonville Historic State Park trails · Maynard Pioneer Park
History
Founded
1835
Named After
John Randolph of Roanoke, a U.S. Senator from Virginia
Historical Significance
Randolph County holds significance as one of the earliest settled areas in Arkansas, with a rich history tied to river commerce, agriculture, and the Civil War era.
Key Events
Establishment of Davidsonville as an early Arkansas Territory settlement · Civil War activity, including Confederate headquarters at Pitman's Ferry · Economic development tied to river transportation and agriculture