Mississippi County, Arkansas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mississippi County
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Mississippi County Courthouse, Osceola
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Location within the U.S. state of Arkansas
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Arkansas's location within the U.S. |
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Country | United States | |
State | Arkansas | |
Founded | November 1, 1833 | |
Named for | Mississippi River | |
Seat | Blytheville and Osceola | |
Largest city | Blytheville | |
Area | ||
• Total | 920 sq mi (2,400 km2) | |
• Land | 901 sq mi (2,330 km2) | |
• Water | 19 sq mi (50 km2) 2.1%% | |
Population
(2020)
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• Total | 40,685 | |
• Estimate
(2019)
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40,651 | |
• Density | 44.22/sq mi (17.07/km2) | |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) | |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) | |
Congressional district | 1st |
Mississippi County is the easternmost county in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 40,685. There are two county seats, Blytheville and Osceola. The county was formed on November 1, 1833, and named for the Mississippi River which borders the county to the east. Mississippi County is part of the First Congressional District in Arkansas. The Mississippi County Judge is John Alan Nelson.
The Blytheville, AR Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Mississippi County.
Contents
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 920 square miles (2,400 km2), of which 901 square miles (2,330 km2) is land and 19 square miles (49 km2) (2.1%) is water.
Major highways
- Interstate 55
- U.S. Highway 61
- Highway 14
- Highway 18
- Highway 18 Business
- Highway 77
- Highway 118
- Highway 119
- Highway 135
- Highway 136
- Highway 137
- Highway 137 Spur
- Highway 140
- Highway 150
- Highway 151
- Highway 158
- Highway 181
- Highway 239
- Highway 239 Spur
- Highway 947
Adjacent counties
- Dunklin County, Missouri (northwest)
- Pemiscot County, Missouri (north)
- Dyer County, Tennessee (northeast)
- Lauderdale County, Tennessee (east)
- Tipton County, Tennessee (southeast)
- Crittenden County (south)
- Poinsett County (southwest)
- Craighead County (west)
National protected area
Demographics
Historical population | |||
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Census | Pop. | %± | |
1840 | 1,410 | — | |
1850 | 2,368 | 67.9% | |
1860 | 3,895 | 64.5% | |
1870 | 3,633 | −6.7% | |
1880 | 7,332 | 101.8% | |
1890 | 11,635 | 58.7% | |
1900 | 16,384 | 40.8% | |
1910 | 30,468 | 86.0% | |
1920 | 47,320 | 55.3% | |
1930 | 69,289 | 46.4% | |
1940 | 80,217 | 15.8% | |
1950 | 82,375 | 2.7% | |
1960 | 70,174 | −14.8% | |
1970 | 62,060 | −11.6% | |
1980 | 59,517 | −4.1% | |
1990 | 57,525 | −3.3% | |
2000 | 51,979 | −9.6% | |
2010 | 46,480 | −10.6% | |
2020 | 40,685 | −12.5% | |
U.S. Decennial Census 1790–1960 1900–1990 1990–2000 2010–2020 2020 |
2020 census
Race | Num. | Perc. |
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White | 22,861 | 56.19% |
Black or African American | 14,251 | 35.03% |
Native American | 67 | 0.16% |
Asian | 242 | 0.59% |
Pacific Islander | 3 | 0.01% |
Other/Mixed | 1,490 | 3.66% |
Hispanic or Latino | 1,771 | 4.35% |
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 40,685 people, 16,389 households, and 10,635 families residing in the county.
2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 46,480 people living in the county. The racial makeup of the county was 60.5% White, 33.9% Black, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, <0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from some other race and 1.2% from two or more races. 3.6% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
Communities
Cities
- Blytheville
- Gosnell
- Joiner
- Keiser
- Leachville
- Manila
- Osceola (county seat)
Towns
Townships
Townships in Arkansas are the divisions of a county. Each township includes unincorporated areas; some may have incorporated cities or towns within part of their boundaries. Arkansas townships have limited purposes in modern times. However, the United States Census does list Arkansas population based on townships (sometimes referred to as "county subdivisions" or "minor civil divisions"). Townships are also of value for historical purposes in terms of genealogical research. Each town or city is within one or more townships in an Arkansas county based on census maps and publications. The townships of Mississippi County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township.
- Big Lake (Manila)
- Bowen (Gosnell)
- Burdette (Burdette)
- Canadian
- Carson (Marie)
- Chickasawba (Blytheville)
- Dyess (Dyess)
- Fletcher (Luxora, Victoria)
- Golden Lake (Wilson)
- Half Moon Lake
- Hector (Dell)
- Little River (Etowah)
- McGavock (Joiner)
- Monroe (Keiser, Osceola)
- Neal (Leachville)
- Scott (Bassett)
- Whitton (Birdsong)
Economy
The economy of Mississippi County transitioned from agriculture (especially cotton) to manufacturing (mostly steel production) beginning in the 1980s. Over $2.1 billion has been invested in plants and supporting infrastructure in the county, with major facilities being operated by Nucor and Big River Steel (a U.S. Steel company). As of 2021 Mississippi County is the second-largest steel producing county in the United States. The county's position near the center of the United States and along the Mississippi River allows the input for steel mills, scrap metal, to be shipped in on barges, often the most inexpensive method of shipping, and by railroad from Memphis. Company executives have also praised the work ethic of the rural farm families of the area as a natural fit for ironworkers.
Education
Public education
Mississippi County is home to the following public school districts, listed in order of student population:
- Blytheville School District
- Osceola School District
- Gosnell School District
- Southern Mississippi County School District
- Manila School District
- Buffalo Island Central School District
- Armorel School District
The following school districts are based outside of the county but serve portions:
- East Poinsett County School District
- KIPP: Delta Public Schools
- Nettleton School District
Libraries
Mississippi County is served by the Mississippi–Crittenden Regional Library System, which includes the Mississippi County Library System (central library) and 13 branch libraries in communities throughout the county.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Misisipi (Arkansas) para niños