Poinsett County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population is 25,614. The county seat is Harrisburg.

Poinsett County was formed on 28 February 1838 and was named for Joel R. Poinsett who was Secretary of War at the time.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,977 km² (763 mi²). 1,963 km² (758 mi²) of it is land and 15 km² (6 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.74% water.

Demographics

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 25,614 people, 10,026 households, and 7,228 families residing in the county. The population density is 13/km² (34/mi²). There are 11,051 housing units at an average density of 6/km² (15/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 90.98% White, 7.13% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.74% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 1.43% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 10,026 households out of which 32.60% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.60% are married couples living together, 13.20% have a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% are non-families. 24.80% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.70% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.52 and the average family size is 2.99.

In the county the population is spread out with 26.10% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 27.10% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.30% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 37 years. For every 100 females there are 94.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $26,558, and the median income for a family is $32,257. Males have a median income of $26,633 versus $19,199 for females. The per capita income for the county is $13,087. 21.20% of the population and 17.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 28.60% are under the age of 18 and 20.50% are 65 or older.

Cities and towns