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Ouachita County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of 2000, the population was 28,790. The county seat is Camden. The county was formed on November 29, 1842 and named for the Ouachita River.
The county is a Democratic Party stronghold and the home of the Pryor family, which includes two U.S. senators, David Pryor (1978-1997) and Mark Pryor (elected 2002). The elder Pryor is also a former Arkansas governor and congressman.
In 1972, Richard M. Nixon became the first Republican presidential nominee in the 20th Century to win a majority in Ouachita County.
Ouachita County has considerable elements of organzed labor, which traditionally favors Arkansas and national Democrats.
The county is served by a daily newspaper, the Camden News.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,916 km² (740 mi²). 1,897 km² (732 mi²) of it is land and 19 km² (7 mi²) of it (0.97%) is water.
Adjacent counties
- Dallas County (north)
- Calhoun County (east)
- Union County (south)
- Columbia County (southwest)
- Nevada County (west)
- Clark County (northwest)
Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 28,790 people, 11,613 households, and 8,071 families residing in the county. The population density was 15/km² (39/mi²). There were 13,450 housing units at an average density of 7/km² (18/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 59.74% White, 38.64% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.26% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 0.73% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 11,613 households out of which 30.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% were married couples living together, 15.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.50% were non-families. 28.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.99.
In the county the population was spread out with 25.90% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 25.60% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 16.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 89.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,341, and the median income for a family was $35,736. Males had a median income of $30,976 versus $18,800 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,118. About 16.10% of families and 19.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.20% of those under age 18 and 18.60% of those age 65 or over.
Cities and towns
"Ouachita County, Arkansas"