Yell County
countyYell County, Arkansas, located in the west-central part of the state, is characterized by its diverse landscape, which includes the Arkansas River Valley and portions of the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests. As of 2020, the population was 20,263, and the county has the unique distinction of having two county seats: Dardanelle and Danville. The county was formed in 1840 and named after Archibald Yell, a former governor and U.S. Representative. Agriculture, particularly poultry production and processing, along with the forest products and lumber industry, are key components of Yell County's economy. Tyson Foods has a significant presence in the county. The county also supports row crops and livestock production. Yell County offers a blend of historical significance and natural beauty. Its location along the Arkansas River made it a strategic point during the Civil War. Today, outdoor recreation is a draw, with access to the Ouachita National Forest, Mount Nebo State Park, and Blue Mountain Lake.
Yell County, Arkansas
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Yell County
- Region
- Arkansas River Valley
- Total Area
- 949 sq mi
- Land Area
- 930 sq mi
- Water Area
- 19 sq mi
- Latitude
- 34.9983
- Longitude
- -93.4525
- Notable Features
- Arkansas River · Ouachita National Forest · Ozark National Forest · Mount Nebo
- Neighboring Areas
- Pope County · Conway County · Perry County · Garland County · Montgomery County · Scott County · Logan County
- Population (2020)
- 20,263
- Est. Population (2024)
- 20,134
- Median Age
- 39.9
- Median Income
- $58,870
- Poverty Rate
- 13.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 67.5%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 73.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 13% Other (Hispanic), and 5.28% White (Hispanic).
- Municipal Services
- Public safety · Road maintenance · Record keeping · Elections
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.2%
- Economic Profile
- Agriculture · Forest products · Lumber industry
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Major Employers
- Tyson Foods
- School Districts
- Danville School District · Dardanelle School District · Two Rivers School District · Western Yell County School District
- Founded
- 1840
- Named After
- Archibald Yell
- Historical Significance
- Strategic location during the Civil War; Early settlement by Cherokee and European settlers
- Key Events
- County formed from parts of Pope and Scott counties · Civil War skirmishes






