Columbia County is located in southern Arkansas and is a part of the Magnolia Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county was founded in 1852 and is named after Christopher Columbus. As of the 2020 census, the population of the county was 23,784.
The county covers an area of 767 square miles (1,986 square kilometers) and ranks 21st in size in the state of Arkansas. The county is bordered by Lafayette County to the north, Ouachita County to the northeast, Union County to the east, Claiborne Parish in Louisiana to the south, Webster Parish in Louisiana to the southwest, and Hempstead County to the west.
Columbia County ranks 21st in population in the state of Arkansas, with a population of 23,784 as of the 2020 census. The county has a GDP of $873 million and a median household income of $37,244. The poverty rate in the county is 22.3%.
The major industries in Columbia County include healthcare, education, retail, and manufacturing. Some of the largest employers in the county include Southern Arkansas University, Walmart, and Murphy USA.
Population demographics in Columbia County are diverse, with a racial makeup of 59.6% White, 36.7% African American, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Asian, and 2.4% of other races. The county’s age distribution is fairly even, with 23.1% of the population under the age of 18, 10.6% between the ages of 18 and 24, 23.3% between 25 and 44, 25.2% between 45 and 64, and 17.8% over the age of 65. The gender distribution in the county is 49.4% male and 50.6% female.
The largest city in Columbia County is Magnolia, which serves as the county seat. Other notable cities in the county include McNeil, Waldo, and Emerson.
Columbia County is home to several attractions, including Logoly State Park, which is known for its diverse ecosystem and natural beauty. Southern Arkansas University is also located in the county and is known for its strong academic programs.
Overall, Columbia County is a diverse and vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.
