List of Counties in Arkansas
Arkansas has 75 counties. The top 10 most populous counties include Pulaski County (Little Rock), Benton County, Washington County, Sebastian County, Faulkner County, Saline County, Craighead County, Garland County, Jefferson County, and White County. Pulaski County is the most populous and is home to the state capital, Little Rock, which is the central hub for government, business, and transportation in the state.
List of All Counties in Arkansas
- Arkansas County, Arkansas
- Ashley County, Arkansas
- Baxter County, Arkansas
- Benton County, Arkansas
- Boone County, Arkansas
- Bradley County, Arkansas
- Calhoun County, Arkansas
- Carroll County, Arkansas
- Chicot County, Arkansas
- Clark County, Arkansas
- Clay County, Arkansas
- Cleburne County, Arkansas
- Cleveland County, Arkansas
- Columbia County, Arkansas
- Conway County, Arkansas
- Craighead County, Arkansas
- Crawford County, Arkansas
- Crittenden County, Arkansas
- Cross County, Arkansas
- Dallas County, Arkansas
- Desha County, Arkansas
- Drew County, Arkansas
- Faulkner County, Arkansas
- Franklin County, Arkansas
- Fulton County, Arkansas
- Garland County, Arkansas
- Grant County, Arkansas
- Greene County, Arkansas
- Hempstead County, Arkansas
- Hot Spring County, Arkansas
- Howard County, Arkansas
- Independence County, Arkansas
- Izard County, Arkansas
- Jackson County, Arkansas
- Jefferson County, Arkansas
- Johnson County, Arkansas
- Lafayette County, Arkansas
- Lawrence County, Arkansas
- Lee County, Arkansas
- Lincoln County, Arkansas
- Little River County, Arkansas
- Logan County, Arkansas
- Lonoke County, Arkansas
- Madison County, Arkansas
- Marion County, Arkansas
- Miller County, Arkansas
- Mississippi County, Arkansas
- Monroe County, Arkansas
- Montgomery County, Arkansas
- Nevada County, Arkansas
- Newton County, Arkansas
- Ouachita County, Arkansas
- Perry County, Arkansas
- Phillips County, Arkansas
- Pike County, Arkansas
- Poinsett County, Arkansas
- Polk County, Arkansas
- Pope County, Arkansas
- Prairie County, Arkansas
- Pulaski County, Arkansas
- Randolph County, Arkansas
- Saint Francis County, Arkansas
- Saline County, Arkansas
- Scott County, Arkansas
- Searcy County, Arkansas
- Sebastian County, Arkansas
- Sevier County, Arkansas
- Sharp County, Arkansas
- Stone County, Arkansas
- Union County, Arkansas
- Van Buren County, Arkansas
- Washington County, Arkansas
- White County, Arkansas
- Woodruff County, Arkansas
- Yell County, Arkansas
1. Union County
Overview
Union County, located in southern Arkansas, is the largest county in the state by land area. It is bordered by Ouachita County to the north and Louisiana to the south. The county seat is El Dorado, a city that gained national attention during the oil boom in the 1920s, leading to a rapid expansion of its economy. Union County is home to vast pine forests, rolling hills, and a diverse economy that includes oil, timber, and manufacturing. Historically, it has been a significant contributor to Arkansas’ natural resource industries, especially in oil production. The county’s natural beauty and historic downtown areas make it a mix of industry and charm.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 37,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: El Dorado
- Major Airports: South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field
- Major Highways: US-82, US-167, US-63
2. Pulaski County
Overview
Pulaski County is centrally located in Arkansas and is the most populous county in the state. It is home to the state capital, Little Rock, which serves as the county seat. Pulaski County is bordered by Faulkner County to the north and Saline County to the southwest. As the political, economic, and cultural heart of Arkansas, Little Rock plays a crucial role in the state’s affairs. The county has a diverse economy driven by sectors such as government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Established in 1818, Pulaski County has a rich history, with Little Rock being a pivotal location during the Civil Rights Movement, especially with the desegregation of Central High School.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 397,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Little Rock
- Major Airports: Clinton National Airport
- Major Highways: I-30, I-40, I-430, I-440, US-70, US-67
3. Benton County
Overview
Benton County is located in the northwestern corner of Arkansas, bordering Missouri to the north and Oklahoma to the west. The county seat is Bentonville, which is internationally known as the headquarters of Walmart, the world’s largest retailer. Benton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Arkansas, largely due to the economic impact of Walmart and the associated supply chain industries. The county is part of the larger Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan area and has a thriving economy driven by retail, manufacturing, and logistics. Established in 1836, Benton County’s history is tied to early pioneers and the development of trade routes in the region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 304,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Bentonville
- Major Airports: Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA)
- Major Highways: I-49, US-71, US-62, US-412
4. Washington County
Overview
Washington County is also located in northwestern Arkansas, just south of Benton County, and is part of the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metropolitan area. The county seat is Fayetteville, home to the University of Arkansas, the state’s flagship university. Washington County has a strong educational and cultural presence, largely influenced by the university and its impact on the economy and community. The county’s landscape includes the Ozark Mountains, making it a scenic and recreational hub. Established in 1828, Washington County has a rich agricultural history and was an important region during the Civil War.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 260,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Fayetteville
- Major Airports: Drake Field (Fayetteville), Northwest Arkansas National Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-49, US-71, US-62, US-412
5. Craighead County
Overview
Craighead County is located in northeastern Arkansas and is bordered by Greene County to the north and Poinsett County to the south. The county seat is shared between Jonesboro and Lake City, with Jonesboro being the larger of the two. Jonesboro is a regional economic and educational hub, home to Arkansas State University, and plays a key role in the county’s development. Craighead County’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and education, with its fertile lands supporting rice, soybeans, and cotton. The county was established in 1859 and has grown steadily due to its central location in the Mississippi Delta region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 115,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Jonesboro, Lake City (dual seats)
- Major Airports: Jonesboro Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-555, US-63, US-49, AR-1
6. Sebastian County
Overview
Sebastian County is located in western Arkansas, bordering Oklahoma to the west. It is one of the most populous counties in the state and is home to the city of Fort Smith, the county seat. Fort Smith has a rich history as a frontier town and military outpost during the westward expansion of the United States. Today, the city remains an important economic center, with industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics driving the county’s growth. Sebastian County is also known for its natural beauty, with the Arkansas River flowing through it and the Ouachita Mountains nearby. Established in 1851, the county has grown from a frontier outpost into a major urban and industrial hub in Arkansas.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 128,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Fort Smith, Greenwood (dual seats)
- Major Airports: Fort Smith Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-40, I-540, US-71, US-64
7. Garland County
Overview
Garland County, located in central Arkansas, is home to Hot Springs, a city famous for its thermal springs and historic bathhouses. The county is bordered by Saline County to the east and Montgomery County to the west. Hot Springs National Park, established in 1832, is the oldest federal reserve in the United States and continues to draw visitors from around the country. Garland County’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing. The county’s landscape includes mountains, lakes, and forests, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities. Garland County was established in 1873 and has since become a key recreational and cultural destination in the state.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 100,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Hot Springs
- Major Airports: Memorial Field Airport (Hot Springs)
- Major Highways: US-70, US-270, AR-7
8. Faulkner County
Overview
Faulkner County is located in central Arkansas, just north of Pulaski County, and is part of the Little Rock metropolitan area. The county seat is Conway, a city known for its strong educational presence, including institutions like the University of Central Arkansas and Hendrix College. Faulkner County has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with Conway becoming a hub for education, technology, and healthcare. The county’s geography is a mix of rolling hills and plains, with the Arkansas River forming part of its western boundary. Faulkner County was established in 1873 and has since become one of the fastest-growing regions in the state.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 130,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Conway
- Major Airports: Conway Regional Airport
- Major Highways: I-40, US-64, US-65, AR-286
9. Jefferson County
Overview
Jefferson County is located in southeastern Arkansas, bordered by the Arkansas River to the north and Cleveland County to the south. The county seat is Pine Bluff, a city with a rich industrial and agricultural history. Pine Bluff is a major center for the cotton and soybean industries, and the county’s economy is bolstered by agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. Jefferson County is also home to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), a historically Black university that plays an essential role in the county’s educational and cultural life. Established in 1829, Jefferson County has a long history tied to the early settlement of Arkansas and the development of its agricultural economy.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 66,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Pine Bluff
- Major Airports: Grider Field Airport (Pine Bluff)
- Major Highways: I-530, US-63, US-65, US-79
10. White County
Overview
White County is located in the central-northern part of Arkansas, bordered by Cleburne County to the north and Lonoke County to the south. The county seat is Searcy, a city that serves as the educational and economic hub of the county, largely due to the presence of Harding University. White County’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and education. The county is known for its rolling hills, rivers, and agricultural lands, making it a blend of natural beauty and economic activity. Established in 1835, White County has been an important agricultural region in Arkansas, with a strong tradition of farming and ranching.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 80,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Searcy
- Major Airports: Searcy Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: US-67, US-64, US-167