Cross County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population is 19,526. The county seat is Wynne.

Cross County was formed on 15 November 1862 and was named for Confederate Colonel David C. Cross, a political leader in the area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,612 km² (622 mi²). 1,595 km² (616 mi²) of it is land and 17 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.04% water.

Demographics

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 19,526 people, 7,391 households, and 5,447 families residing in the county. The population density is 12/km² (32/mi²). There are 8,030 housing units at an average density of 5/km² (13/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 74.80% White, 23.70% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.74% from two or more races. 0.93% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,391 households out of which 34.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.20% are married couples living together, 14.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 26.30% are non-families. 23.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.10% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.60 and the average family size is 3.07.

In the county the population is spread out with 27.80% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 27.40% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 36 years. For every 100 females there are 94.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $29,362, and the median income for a family is $34,044. Males have a median income of $27,880 versus $20,133 for females. The per capita income for the county is $15,726. 19.90% of the population and 16.40% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 27.90% are under the age of 18 and 17.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and towns