Randolph County
countyRandolph 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
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 05121
- Country
- United States
- County
- Randolph County
- 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
- 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).
- Government Type
- Quorum court
- Governing Body
- Quorum Court
- Body Size
- 9 members
- Municipal Services
- Law enforcement · Road maintenance · Emergency services
- 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
- Schools
- 7
- Students
- 2,522
- School Districts
- Pocahontas School District · Maynard School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Black River Technical College
- 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
- 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
- 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






