Pope County is a county located in the state of Arkansas, USA. It is located in the northwest part of the state and is part of the Russellville Micropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 63,765. The county seat is Russellville.
Pope County covers a total area of 835 square miles or 2,162 square kilometers. Of this total area, 12 square miles or 31 square kilometers are water, and the remaining 823 square miles or 2,131 square kilometers are land. It ranks as the 13th largest county in the state of Arkansas.
In terms of population, Pope County is the 10th most populous county in Arkansas. According to the 2020 census, the county has a population of 63,765. Its population has grown by around 9.4% since the previous census in 2010.
The county’s GDP is $2.2 billion, and the median household income is $45,174. The poverty rate in the county is 15.3%.
The major industries in Pope County include manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. Some of the largest employers in the county include Tyson Foods, Arkansas Tech University, Saint Mary’s Regional Medical Center, and Walmart.
Population demographics by race, age, and gender are as follows: 78.4% of the population is White, 8.6% is Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% is Black or African American, 2.3% is two or more races, and 1.7% is Asian. The median age in the county is 38.5 years, and the gender ratio is roughly 50/50.
The largest city in Pope County is Russellville, with a population of approximately 28,000. Other notable cities in the county include Atkins, Hector, Dover, and London.
Pope County is home to several famous attractions, including Lake Dardanelle State Park, Mount Nebo State Park, and the Ozark National Forest. Arkansas Tech University, a public university with around 10,000 students, is also located in Pope County. Other higher education institutions in the county include Arkansas River Valley Campus of University of Arkansas Community College, and Arkansas Tech Career Center.
In conclusion, Pope County is a growing county in Arkansas with a diverse population and a mix of industries. Its natural attractions, higher education institutions, and major employers make it an attractive place to live, work, and visit.