Randolph County, Arkansas

County in Arkansas, United States

County in Arkansas

Randolph County

County

Randolph County courthouse in Pocahontas

Location within the U.S. state of Arkansas

Arkansas's location within the U.S.

Coordinates: 36°20′41″N 91°00′46″W﻿ / ﻿36.344722222222°N 91.012777777778°W﻿ / 36.344722222222; -91.012777777778
Country|  United States
State|  Arkansas
Founded| October 29, 1835
Named after| John Randolph
Seat| Pocahontas
Largest city| Pocahontas
Area

[1]

• Total

| 656.04 sq mi (1,699.1 km2)
• Land| 651.83 sq mi (1,688.2 km2)
• Water| 4.21 sq mi (10.9 km2)  0.6%
Population

(2020)

• Total

| 18,571

• Estimate

(2023)

| 18,907
• Density| 28/sq mi (11/km2)
Time zone| UTC−6 (Central)
• Summer (DST)| UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district| 1st
Website| randolphcounty.arkansas.gov

Randolph County is located between the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas Delta in the U.S. state of Arkansas. The county is named for John Randolph, a U.S. senator from Virginia influential in obtaining congressional approval of the Louisiana Purchase, which includes today's Randolph County. Created as Arkansas's 32nd county on October 29, 1835, Randolph County has two incorporated cities, including Pocahontas, the county seat and most populous city. The county is also the site of numerous unincorporated communities and ghost towns. Crossed by five rivers, most of Randolph County contains foothills and valleys typical of the Ozarks. However, the eastern side of the county is largely flat with fertile soils typical of the Delta, with the Black River roughly dividing the regions. The county contains three protected areas: two Wildlife Management Areas and Davidsonville Historic State Park, which preserves and interprets an early pioneer settlement. Other historical features such as log cabins, one-room school houses, community centers, and museums describe the history and culture of Randolph County.

Randolph County occupies 656.04 square miles (169,910 ha) and contained a population of 18,571 as of the 2020 Census.[2] The economy is largely based on agriculture and small manufacturing. Poverty and unemployment rates are above national averages, but steady. Household incomes are below state and national averages.

Randolph County is served by two school districts, Pocahontas School District and Maynard School District, and parts of three others. Higher education is provided at Black River Technical College, a public two-year community college in Pocahontas. St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas is a community hospital providing primary care in the county. Although no Interstate highways serve Randolph County, the county has access to three United States highways (U.S. Route 62 [US 62], US 67, and US 412) and eleven Arkansas state highways. Randolph County is also served by one public owned/public use general aviation airport, Pocahontas Municipal Airport, and six community water systems provide potable water to customers in the county.

## Geography

[edit]

See also: Geography of Arkansas and Arkansas Delta

Randolph County is located where the foothills of the Ozark Mountains intersect the Arkansas Delta (in Arkansas, usually referred to as "the Delta") in the southeast part of the county. Two of the six primary geographic regions of Arkansas, the Ozarks are a mountainous subdivision of the U.S. Interior Highlands, and the Arkansas Delta is a subregion of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, which is a flat area consisting of rich, fertile sediment deposits from the Mississippi River between Louisiana and Illinois.[3] The Black River roughly divides the two regions in Randolph County.[4] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 656.04 square miles (1,699.1 km2), of which 651.83 square miles (1,688.2 km2) is land and 4.21 square miles (10.9 km2) (0.6%) is water.[1]

The county is located approximately 144 miles (232 km) northeast of Little Rock, 108 miles (174 km) northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, and 204 miles (328 km) southwest of St. Louis, Missouri.[Note 1] Randolph County is surrounded by three Delta counties: Clay County to the east, Greene County to the southeast, Lawrence County to the south, one Ozark county, Sharp County, to the west, and two Missouri counties, Oregon County to the northwest, and Ripley County to the northeast.

### Hydrology

[edit]

See also: List of lakes in Randolph County, Arkansas

Lake in Davidsonville Historic State Park

Water is an extremely important part of Randolph County's geography, history, economy, and culture. The many rivers, streams, and ditches crossing the county have featured prominently since prehistoric times, and many of the hundreds of archaeological sites are along waterways. Tribes of Lenape, Shawnee, and Cherokee were settled in the area along rivers but left the area following the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes.[3]

Randolph County is home to five major rivers: Black River, Current River, Eleven Point River, Fourche River, and Spring River.

Running from east to west toward its own mouth in the southern tip of Randolph County, the Black receives the Current River and Fourche River east of Pocahontas. The Current River serves as the northeastern county boundary with Clay County before turning southwest, passing Reyno and Biggers and meeting the Black east of Pocahontas. The Fourche River enters Randolph County near Doniphan, Missouri and runs south to meet the Black east of Pocahontas. The Black meets the Spring at the southern tip of Randolph County near Black Rock.

The Spring River serves as the county's southwestern boundary with Lawrence County between Davidsonville Historic State Park and Ravenden. The Eleven Point River enters from Missouri near Billmore and runs south to empty into the Spring just west of the state park.

Rivers brought early prosperity to the county during white settlement for navigation. Control of the rivers and Pitman's Ferry led to military action in the county during the Civil War, including a skirmish in 1862. Following the war, natural mineral springs purported to have healing properties attracted visitors to Warm Springs and Ravenden Springs.

### Protected areas

[edit]

Randolph County contains one state park, Davidsonville Historic State Park, and two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), Dave Donaldson/Black River WMA and Robert L. Hankins/Mud Creek Upland WMA, owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Black River WMA preserves bottomland hardwood forest habitat and wintering habitat for migratory birds. Created in 1957, Black River WMA contains over 25,000 acres (10,000 ha) total and extends into Clay and Greene counties.[6] Mud Creek Upland WMA was created in 1989 with 1,250 acres (510 ha) of upland hardwood forest. The area is open to birding, hunting, and hiking.[7]

Davidsonville Historic State Park is a 163-acre (66-hectare) history state park focused on the interpretation and archaeology of the abandoned frontier town of Davidsonville. Once a very important stop on the Black River and Southwest Trail within Arkansaw Territory, Davidsonville was abandoned by 1836 following the decline of river transport and the shifting of the Southwest Trail. The park is owned and operated by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.

## Demographics

[edit]

Historical population Census| Pop.| Note| %±

|
|
|

1840| 2,196| | —
1850| 3,275| | 49.1%
1860| 6,261| | 91.2%
1870| 7,466| | 19.2%
1880| 11,724| | 57.0%
1890| 14,485| | 23.5%
1900| 17,156| | 18.4%
1910| 18,987| | 10.7%
1920| 17,713| | −6.7%
1930| 16,871| | −4.8%
1940| 18,319| | 8.6%
1950| 15,982| | −12.8%
1960| 12,520| | −21.7%
1970| 12,645| | 1.0%
1980| 16,834| | 33.1%
1990| 16,558| | −1.6%
2000| 18,195| | 9.9%
2010| 17,969| | −1.2%
2020| 18,571| | 3.4%
2023 (est.)| 18,907| [8]| 1.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
1790–1960[10] 1900–1990[11]
1990–2000[12] 2010–2016

### 2020 Census

[edit]

Randolph County racial composition[13] Race  | Number  | Percentage

|
|

White (non-Hispanic)  | 16,553  | 89.13%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)  | 140  | 0.75%
Native American | 84  | 0.45%
Asian | 73  | 0.39%
Pacific Islander | 595  | 3.2%
Other/Mixed | 742  | 4.0%
Hispanic or Latino | 384  | 2.07%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,571 people, 7,355 households, and 4,994 families residing in the county.

### 2010 Census

[edit]

Racial/Ethnic Makeup of Randolph County treating Hispanics as a Separate Category (2010)[14]

1. White Non-Hispanic (95.9%)
2. Black Non-Hispanic (0.7%)
3. Native American Non-Hispanic (0.5%)
4. Asian Non-Hispanic (0.2%)
5. Pacific Islander Non-Hispanic (0%)
6. Other Non-Hispanic (0%)
7. Two or more races Non-Hispanic (1.2%)
8. Hispanic Any Race (1.6%)

As of the 2010 census,[15] there were 17,969 people, 7,299 households, and 4,997 families residing in the county. The population density was 27 people per square mile (10 people/km2). There were 8,513 housing units at an average density of 13 units per square mile (5.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.5% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 0.7% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. 1.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,299 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 27.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.2% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females there were 96.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.6 males.

### 2000 Census

[edit]

Age pyramid Randolph County[16]

As of the 2000 census,[15] there were 18,195 people, 7,265 households, and 5,245 families residing in the county. The population density was 28 people per square mile (11 people/km2). There were 8,268 housing units at an average density of 13 units per square mile (5.0 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.99% White, 0.97% Black or African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 1.15% from two or more races. 0.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,265 households, out of which 30.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.40% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 24.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.60% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 25.70% from 25 to 44, 24.30% from 45 to 64, and 17.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.50 males.

## Economy

[edit]

Top employers[17] Rank  | Employer  | Employees

|
|

1   | Peco Foods  | 500
2   | Pocahontas School District | 255
3   | Walmart Stores Inc | 212
4   | Black River Technical College | 200
5   | St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center  | 180
6   | Randolph County Nursing Home  | 170
7   | Pocahontas Aluminum  | 129
8   | Pocahontas Healthcare & Rehab  | 100
9   | Above & Beyond Home Care  | 79
10   | Maclean-Fogg  | 46

See also: Economy of Arkansas

Employment by sector in Randolph County is varied, led by professional services (26.8%), government employees and government enterprises (15.8%), trade (12.8%), agriculture (11.3%), and manufacturing (9.8%).[18] A rural county with several small manufacturers, Randolph County consistently has an unemployment rate above state and national averages. As of October 2015, the Randolph County unemployment rate was 5.9%, down significantly from a peak of 10.3% in 2011 during the height of the Great Recession.[19] For comparison, the unemployment rate was 4.9% statewide[20] and 5.0% in the US in October 2015.[21]

As of the 2000 Census, the median income for a household in the county was $27,583, and the median income for a family was $33,535. Males had a median income of $25,006 versus $18,182 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,502. About 11.90% of families and 15.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.80% of those under age 18 and 15.20% of those age 65 or over.

## Human resources

[edit]

### Education

[edit]

See also: Education in Arkansas

Educational attainment in Randolph County is typical for a rural Arkansas county, with a 2012 study finding 82.5% of Randolph County residents over age 25 held a high school degree or higher and 13.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher. The Randolph County rates are below Arkansas averages of 84.8% and 21.1%, and significantly below national averages of 86.7% and 29.8%, respectively.[22]

#### Primary and secondary education

[edit]

Public school district boundaries in Randolph County as of July 2016

Two public school districts are based in Randolph County; the Pocahontas School District is the largest school district in Randolph County, with the Maynard School District serving the northeast corner of the county. Successful completion of the curriculum of these schools leads to graduation from Pocahontas High School or Maynard High School, respectively. Both high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, concurrent credit agreements with nearby Black River Technical College (BRTC), and are accredited by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Additionally, Pocahontas HS is accredited by AdvancED.[23]

Residents outside the two Randolph County-based districts are within either the Mammoth Spring School District, Sloan-Hendrix School District, Greene County Tech School District, or Corning School District.[24]

#### Higher education

[edit]

Randolph County contains one institution of higher education, Black River Technical College, a public community college in Pocahontas. Other higher education institutions in the region include two member institutions of the Arkansas State University System: Arkansas State University (ASU), a public four-year university in Jonesboro, and a public two-year satellite campus in Newport. Two private, four-year colleges are also near Randolph County: Crowley's Ridge College, a Christian liberal arts college in Paragould, and Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge.

#### Library system

[edit]

The Randolph County Library (RCL) in downtown Pocahontas is a member library of the Northeast Arkansas Regional Library System. RCL offers books, e-books, media, reference, youth, business and genealogy services.

### Public health

[edit]

Randolph County's above-average poverty rate also indicates a high Medicaid eligibility rate. As of 2012, 38.1% of Randolph County was eligible for Medicaid, with 65.1% of children under 19 eligible for ARKids First, a program by the Arkansas Department of Human Services that combines children's Medicaid (ARKids A) and other programs for families with higher incomes (ARKids B).[25] The county's population is significantly above healthy weight, with 71.7% of adults and 41.2% of children/adolescents ranking as overweight or obese, above the state averages of 67.1% and 39.3%, themselves significantly above national averages of 62.9% and 30.3%, respectively.[26]

St. Bernards Five Rivers Medical Center in Pocahontas is a community hospital offering acute inpatient care, emergency care, diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, therapy, and senior care services. The facility is rated as a Level 4 Trauma Center by the Arkansas Department of Health. St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro is a referral hospital in the region, focusing on heart care, cancer treatment, women's/children's services, and senior services.

The nearest Level 1 Trauma Centers are Le Bonheur Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, both in Memphis.[27]

### Public safety

[edit]

The Randolph County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency in the county. The agency is led by the Randolph County Sheriff, an official elected by countywide vote every four years.

The county is under the jurisdiction of the Randolph County District Court, a local district court.[28] Local district courts in Arkansas are courts of original jurisdiction for criminal, civil, small claims, and traffic matters.[29] Local district courts are presided over by an elected part-time judge who may privately practice law. Randolph County District Court is located at 1510 Pace Road in Pocahontas, and is presided over by the District Judge, who is elected in a countywide election.[28] The court handles within Randolph County.

Superseding district court jurisdiction is the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court, which covers Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, and Sharp counties. The 3rd Circuit contains three circuit judges, elected to six-year terms circuitwide.[30]

## Culture and contemporary life

[edit]

Built c. 1826, the Rice-Upshaw log structure is one of the oldest buildings in Arkansas.

See also: Culture of Arkansas

Randolph County has several facilities, monuments, and museums dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the area. Several historic log structures remain in the county from the pioneer era. The Rice-Upshaw House, an 1820s-era log cabin near Dalton, is one of the oldest structures in Arkansas. Randolph County also includes Hillyard Cabin and the Looney-French House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The county contains several historic schools and community centers, including Cedar Grove School No. 81, a historic one room schoolhouse now used as a community center, the Eddie Mae Herron Center & Museum, a refurbished black school today serving as a community center and interpretative site, Old Union School in Birdell, and Ravenden Springs School.

* Century Wall Monument, celebration of influential twentieth-century Americans
* Davidsonville Historic State Park
* Maynard Pioneer Museum, celebrates the early settlers
* Old Randolph County Courthouse, restored 1875 courthouse in Pocahontas town square today used by Randolph County Chamber of Commerce

Randolph County voters approved sales of alcoholic beverages during a November 2018 election. Prior to the change taking effect in February 2019,[31] Randolph County had been an alcohol prohibition or dry county for some 70 years.

## Government

[edit]

The Old Randolph County Courthouse in Pocahontas was the seat of county government until 1941.

See also: Government of Arkansas, County judge, and Quorum Court

The county government is a constitutional body granted specific powers by the Constitution of Arkansas and the Arkansas Code. The quorum court is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all spending and revenue collection. Representatives are called justices of the peace and are elected from county districts every even-numbered year. The number of districts in a county vary from nine to fifteen, and district boundaries are drawn by the county election commission. The Randolph County Quorum Court has nine members. Presiding over quorum court meetings is the county judge, who serves as the chief operating officer of the county. The county judge is elected at-large and does not vote in quorum court business, although capable of vetoing quorum court decisions.[32][33]

Randolph County, Arkansas Elected countywide officials[34][35][36] Position  | Officeholder  | Party

|
|

County Judge  | Ben Wicker  | Independent
County Clerk  | Rhonda Blevins  | Republican
Circuit Clerk  | Debbie Wise  | Democratic
Sheriff  | Kevin Bell  | Republican
Treasurer  | Dennis Calaway  | Republican
Collector  | Jennifer Zitzelberger  | Democratic
Assessor  | Krissy Massey  | Republican
Coroner  | Clyde Hackworth  | (Unknown)

The composition of the Quorum Court after the 2024 elections is 7 Republicans, and 2 Democrats. Justices of the Peace (members) of the Quorum Court following the elections are:[34][37]

* District 1: Mistina Hibbard (R)
* District 2: Jill Thompson Henderson (D)
* District 3: Tony Brown (R)
* District 4: David Blevins (R)
* District 5: Doris Sharp (D)
* District 6: Darrel Nelson (R)
* District 7: Eric Bass (R)
* District 8: Roy W. Causbie (R)
* District 9: David Statler (R)

Additionally, the townships of Randolph County are entitled to elect their own respective constables, as set forth by the Constitution of Arkansas. Constables are largely of historical significance as they were used to keep the peace in rural areas when travel was more difficult.[38] The township constables as of the 2024 elections are:[37][39]

* Current River: Matt Blevins (R)
* Dalton: Kevin Upshaw (R)
* Ingram: Larry Rogers (R)
* Janes Creek: Tom Dildine (D)
* Little Black: Joe Grooms (R)
* Richardson: Roudy Patton (R)
* Shiloh: Mark A. Brown (R)
* Spring River: Brad Doney (R)
* Ward 1: Victor E. Blevins (R)
* Ward 2: Druderik Adams (R)
* Ward 3: Trason S. Johnson (R)
* Warm Springs: Steve Bounds (R)
* West Roanoke: Dale A. Arnold (R)

### Politics

[edit]

Since the late 20th century, Randolph County has transitioned from reliably Democratic to steady Republican in national, state and local elections. Except for the Catholic John F. Kennedy in 1960, major nationwide Republican victories for Richard Nixon (1972) and Ronald Reagan (1984), and the candidacy of Alabama Governor George Wallace in 1968, the county supported every Democratic presidential candidate between 1896 and 2004. Randolph County then supported Barack Obama's opponents by roughly 3-to-2 margin, and supported Donald Trump with 70.7 percent of the vote.[40]

United States presidential election results for Randolph County, Arkansas[40] Year  | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies)

|
|
|

No.  | % | No.  | % | No.  | %
2024 | 5,367  | 80.88% | 1,138  | 17.15%  | 131  | 1.97%
2020 | 5,355  | 78.61% | 1,215  | 17.84%  | 242  | 3.55%
2016 | 4,509  | 70.69% | 1,425  | 22.34%  | 445  | 6.98%
2012 | 3,701  | 62.14% | 2,046  | 34.35%  | 209  | 3.51%
2008 | 3,615  | 57.21% | 2,469  | 39.07%  | 235  | 3.72%
2004 | 3,158  | 47.37%  | 3,412  | 51.18% | 97  | 1.45%
2000 | 2,673  | 45.48%  | 3,019  | 51.37% | 185  | 3.15%
1996 | 1,789  | 31.76%  | 3,213  | 57.04% | 631  | 11.20%
1992 | 1,766  | 27.97%  | 3,921  | 62.10% | 627  | 9.93%
1988 | 2,560  | 47.25%  | 2,781  | 51.33% | 77  | 1.42%
1984 | 3,188  | 55.61% | 2,507  | 43.73%  | 38  | 0.66%
1980 | 2,579  | 43.50%  | 3,070  | 51.78% | 280  | 4.72%
1976 | 1,571  | 25.66%  | 4,551  | 74.34% | 0  | 0.00%
1972 | 2,578  | 62.83% | 1,525  | 37.17%  | 0  | 0.00%
1968 | 1,237  | 29.35%  | 1,367  | 32.44%  | 1,610  | 38.21%
1964 | 1,312  | 32.73%  | 2,680  | 66.85% | 17  | 0.42%
1960 | 1,620  | 49.42% | 1,556  | 47.47%  | 102  | 3.11%
1956 | 1,117  | 38.61%  | 1,763  | 60.94% | 13  | 0.45%
1952 | 1,302  | 40.01%  | 1,941  | 59.65% | 11  | 0.34%
1948 | 377  | 14.32%  | 2,139  | 81.24% | 117  | 4.44%
1944 | 529  | 25.82%  | 1,514  | 73.89% | 6  | 0.29%
1940 | 474  | 21.75%  | 1,687  | 77.42% | 18  | 0.83%
1936 | 414  | 19.62%  | 1,693  | 80.24% | 3  | 0.14%
1932 | 206  | 9.18%  | 2,021  | 90.10% | 16  | 0.71%
1928 | 776  | 33.58%  | 1,527  | 66.08% | 8  | 0.35%
1924 | 389  | 32.20%  | 772  | 63.91% | 47  | 3.89%
1920 | 652  | 31.17%  | 1,412  | 67.50% | 28  | 1.34%
1916 | 458  | 22.77%  | 1,553  | 77.23% | 0  | 0.00%
1912 | 264  | 16.83%  | 997  | 63.54% | 308  | 19.63%
1908 | 517  | 26.98%  | 1,348  | 70.35% | 51  | 2.66%
1904 | 409  | 31.75%  | 838  | 65.06% | 41  | 3.18%
1900 | 428  | 23.46%  | 1,385  | 75.93% | 11  | 0.60%
1896 | 307  | 13.79%  | 1,915  | 86.03% | 4  | 0.18%

In Congress, Arkansas has been represented by two Republican senators (John Boozman and Tom Cotton) since January 3, 2015, ending a long history of Democratic hegemony. In the House of Representatives, Randolph County is within the Arkansas 1st district with several other Ozark counties and many agricultural Delta counties on the eastern side of the state. The Arkansas 1st has been represented by Rick Crawford since 2010.

In the Arkansas State Senate, Randolph County is split between the 19th District and 20th District. Pocahontas and areas to the southeast are in the 20th along with Clay, Greene, Lawrence and a small portion of Craighead counties. Areas north or west of Pocahontas are in the 19th along with Izard, Sharp, Independence and a small portion of Fulton counties. The 19th has been represented by James Sturch (R) of Batesville since 2019, and the 20th has been represented by Blake Johnson (R) of Corning since 2015. In the Arkansas House of Representatives, Randolph County is split between the 56th District, 60th District, and 61st District. The eastern part of Randolph County is in the 56th District, which also includes Clay and most of Greene counties. Portions of Randolph County generally south and west of Pocahontas are represented by the 60th District, which also includes Lawrence County, most of Izard County, and a small portion of Greene County. The remainder of Randolph County, including Pocahontas, is represented by the 61st District, along with portions of Sharp and Fulton counties. These districts are represented by Joe Jett (R, since 2014), Frances Cavenaugh (R, since 2016), and Marsh Davis (R, since 2019), respectively.[41]

Randolph County has produced some successful statewide politicians, including Thomas S. Drew, Third Governor of Arkansas, Edwin R. Bethune, U.S. Representative from Arkansas, Drew Bowers, Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1926 and 1928, and William Jasper Blackburn, a Reconstruction U.S. Representative from Louisiana.

### Taxation

[edit]

See also: Taxation in the United States

Property tax is assessed by the Randolph County Assessor annually based upon the fair market value of the property and determining which tax rate, commonly called a millage in Arkansas, will apply. The rate depends upon the property's location with respect to city limits, school district, and special tax increment financing (TIF) districts. This tax is collected by the Randolph County Collector between the first business day of March of each year through October 15 without penalty. The Randolph County Treasurer disburses tax revenues to various government agencies, such as cities, county road departments, fire departments, libraries, and police departments in accordance with the budget set by the quorum court.

Sales and use taxes in Arkansas are voter approved and collected by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Arkansas's statewide sales and use tax has been 6.5% since July 1, 2013.[42] Randolph County has an additional sales and use tax of 1.25%, which has been in effect since January 1, 1999. Within Randolph County, the City of Pocahontas has an additional 2% sales and use tax since October 1, 2013, and the Town of Maynard an additional 1.5% sales and use tax since April 1, 2012.[43] The Arkansas State Treasurer disburses tax revenue to counties/cities in accordance with tax rules.

## Communities

[edit]

Two incorporated cities and four incorporated towns are located within the county. The largest city and county seat, Pocahontas, is located in the south-central part of the county on the Black River. Pocahontas' population in 2010 was 6,608, and has been increasing since the 1960 Census. The county's small towns all have a population under 500 as of the 2010 Census, with Ravenden Springs the smallest at 118 in western Randolph County. The remaining communities are in the Delta portion of the county: Maynard north of Pocahontas, Biggers and Reyno (the other city) along US 67 near the county's eastern border, and O'Kean in the southeastern corner.[4]

Randolph County has dozens of unincorporated communities and ghost towns within its borders. This is due to early settlers in Arkansas tending to settle in small clusters rather than incorporated towns. For example, communities like Davidsonville had a post office and dozens of buildings at some point in their history. Other communities are simply a few dwellings at a crossroads that have adopted a common place name over time. Some are officially listed as populated places by the United States Geological Survey, and others are listed as historic settlements. Ravenden Springs

### Cities

[edit]

* Pocahontas (County Seat)
* Reyno

### Towns

[edit]

* Biggers
* Maynard
* O'Kean
* Ravenden Springs

### Unincorporated communities

[edit]

A "ghost structure" in Davidsonville Historic State Park. The park preserves and interprets the history of one of Arkansas's earliest settlements, which was abandoned by the 1830s.

* Antioch
* Attica
* Birdell
* Brakebill
* Brockett
* Cedar Grove
* Dalton
* Dunn
* East Pocahontas
* Elevenpoint
* Elkins Park
* Elm Store
* Elnora
* Engelberg
* Fender
* Glaze Creek
* Gravesville
* Hamil
* Hoover Landing
* Ingram
* Jerrett
* Lesterville
* Lorine
* Manson
* Middlebrook
* Minorca
* Noland
* Old Reyno
* Old Siloam
* Palestine
* Pitman
* Shannon
* Sharum
* Skaggs
* Stokes
* Stoney Point
* Supply
* Warm Springs
* Washington

### Historical communities

[edit]

* Baker Den
* Davidsonville
* Debrow
* Keller
* Kingsville
* Mock
* Oconee
* Poluca
* Running Lake
* Watervalley
* Yadkin

### Townships

[edit]

Townships in Randolph County, Arkansas as of 2010

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 Randolph County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township.[44][45]

* Baker
* Bristow
* Butler
* Columbia
* Current River (Biggers)
* Dalton
* Demun (Pocahontas)
* East Roanoke
* Eleven Point
* Foster
* Ingram
* Jackson
* Janes Creek (Ravenden Springs)
* Little Black
* O'Kean (O'Kean)
* Reyno (Reyno)
* Richardson (Maynard)
* Running Lake
* Shiloh
* Siloam
* Spring River
* Union
* Warm Springs
* Water Valley
* West Roanoke
* Wiley

## Infrastructure

[edit]

### Aviation

[edit]

Randolph County contains one public owned/public use general aviation airport, Pocahontas Municipal Airport (Nick Wilson Field) in Pocahontas. For the twelve-month period ending August 31, 2014, the facility saw 7,000 general aviation operations.[46] The nearest commercial service airport is Memphis International Airport.

### Major highways

[edit]

Highway 361 near Davidsonville Historic State Park

Randolph County is not served by any Interstate highways; the nearest access to the Interstate system is Interstate 555 (I-555) in Jonesboro. The county does serve as a junction for several US highways, with US 62 crossing the county from east to west. This highway runs across much of northern Arkansas, giving Randolph County access to Mountain Home, Harrison, Eureka Springs, and Fayetteville to the west. US 62 intersects US 67 in Pocahontas, forming a two route overlap to the northeast toward Poplar Bluff, Missouri. US 67 runs south from Pocahontas to Walnut Ridge, where it becomes a controlled-access highway running south to Little Rock, the state capital.[47] (US 67 will be upgraded to Interstate 57 (I-57) in the future from the Missouri state line to Little Rock.) A short business spur of US 67 connects Biggers to the state highway system.

Eleven state highways serve the traveling public in the county, varying from short connector routes to long highways traversing the entire county. Highway 34 and Highway 90 run east–west across the county, with the latter connecting Ravenden Springs to Pocahontas. Highway 93, Highway 115, Highway 166, and Highway 251 all run north to the Missouri state line to connect with Missouri state routes. Highway 328 connects Maynard to state highways to the east and west. A second segment of Highway 166 and Highway 361 connect Davidsonville Historic State Park to nearby population centers. Highway 304 connects Pocahontas to Delaplaine, with a short alternate route, Highway 304N running around Pocahontas Municipal Airport. Two instances of Highway 231 serve as connectors between other major state highways.[4]

### Utilities

[edit]

See also: List of public utilities in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) is responsible for the regulation and oversight of public water systems throughout the state. Randolph County contains six community water systems: Biggers Water Department, City of Maynard, O'Kean Water System, Pocahontas Water and Sewer, Ravenden Springs Waterworks, Reyno Water Department, as well as portions of Clay County Regional Water Distribution District (CCRWDD), Northeast Arkansas Public Water Authority (NEAPWA), and Lawrence County Regional Water District. Pocahontas W&S has the largest retail population in the county (7,547), with all others under 500 accounts served. Of the water systems serving Randolph County, only Pocahontas and NEAPWA use surface water (the Black River and Spring River, respectively)[48][49] for source water; all others use groundwater wells or purchase from neighboring utilities.[50]

## Notable people

[edit]

* Joseph J. Alexander, Randolph County's first representative at Arkansas' first State Assembly after becoming a state. He was killed December 4, 1837, by the Speaker of the House, John Wilson, during a knife fight on the floor of the assembly chamber.
* George Nicholas 'Nick' Wilson (1942 - ), former Arkansas lawyer and political leader who served in the Arkansas Senate for almost 30 years.

## See also

[edit]

* National Register of Historic Places listings in Randolph County, Arkansas

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Mileages from Randolph County to Little Rock, Memphis, and St. Louis are based on highway miles using county seat Pocahontas for Randolph County.[5]

## References

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Randolph County, Arkansas.

1. ^ a b Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Transportation (October 16, 2014). Arkansas County Polygons (SHP file) (Map). Arkansas GIS Office. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Randolph County, Arkansas". Retrieved January 21, 2023.
3. ^ a b Clements, Derek Allen (January 23, 2016). "Randolph County". Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
4. ^ a b c Transportation Planning and Policy Division (May 12, 2008). General Highway Map, Randolph County, Arkansas (PDF) (Map). 1:62500. Little Rock: Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 22, 2010. Retrieved December 19, 2016. `{{cite map}}`: `|author=` has generic name (help)
5. ^ "Google Maps (Search for Pocahontas, AR)". Retrieved August 28, 2016.
6. ^ "Wildlife Management Area Details". Dave Donaldson Black River WMA. Little Rock: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
7. ^ "Wildlife Management Area Details". R.L. Hankins Mud Creek Upland WMA. Little Rock: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
8. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
9. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
10. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
11. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
12. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved August 27, 2015.
13. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
14. ^ "Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010, 2010 Demographic Profile Data, Randolph County, Arkansas". 2010 United States Census. Washington, DC: United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2019.
15. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
16. ^ Based on 2000 census data
17. ^ "Major Employers". Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
18. ^ "Profile" (2015), p. 54.
19. ^ "Labor Force". Randolph County Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
20. ^ "Graph: Unemployment Rate in Arkansas". Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. November 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
21. ^ "Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey". United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
22. ^ "American Community Survey". United States Census Bureau. 2011–2015. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
23. ^ "Pocahontas School District". Institution Summary (Executive Summary). AdvancED. November 29, 2013. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
24. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Randolph County, AR" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 11, 2024. \- Text list
25. ^ "Profile" (2015), p. 56.
26. ^ "Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity: Data, Trends and Maps". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Archived from the original on December 21, 2016. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
27. ^ "Designated Trauma Centers". Arkansas Department of Health. June 7, 2016. Archived from the original on February 11, 2012. Retrieved December 20, 2016.
28. ^ a b "Directory" (2016), p. 54.
29. ^ Staff of the Arkansas Judiciary (September 2, 2014). "Arkansas Court Structure" (PDF). Arkansas Judiciary. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016.
30. ^ "Directory" (2016), p. 10.
31. ^ "Arkansas county sells alcohol after 70-year ban". Arkansas Online. February 22, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
32. ^ Teske, Steven (March 24, 2014). "Quorum Courts". Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
33. ^ Goss, Kay C. (August 28, 2015). "Office of County Judge". Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture. Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. Retrieved January 23, 2016.
34. ^ a b "Randolph | Association of Arkansas Counties". www.arcounties.org. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
35. ^ "Election Night Reporting". results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
36. ^ https://www.arcounties.org/site/assets/files/6033/november_races.pdf
37. ^ a b "Randolph County, Arkansas, elections, 2024". Ballotpedia. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
38. ^ "What is a Constable?". What is a Constable?. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
39. ^ "Election Night Reporting". results.enr.clarityelections.com. Retrieved April 13, 2025.
40. ^ a b Leip, David. "Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Retrieved December 5, 2016.
41. ^ Arkansas Economic Development Institute. Arkansas District Finder (Map). Various. Little Rock: University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
42. ^ "State Tax Rates". Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
43. ^ "List of Cities and Counties with Local Sales and Use Tax". Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. October–December 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 19, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2016.
44. ^ 2011 Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS): Randolph County, AR (PDF) (Map). U. S. Census Bureau. Retrieved August 7, 2011.
45. ^ "Arkansas: 2010 Census Block Maps - County Subdivision". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 29, 2014.
46. ^ FAA Airport Form 5010 for M70 PDF. Federal Aviation Administration. Accessed December 21, 2016.
47. ^ Transportation Planning and Policy Division (2016–2017). Arkansas State Highway Map (PDF) (Map). Little Rock: Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 27, 2016. Retrieved December 26, 2016. `{{cite map}}`: `|author=` has generic name (help)
48. ^ "Pocahontas Water and Sewer Annual Drinking Water Quality Report" (PDF). Consumer Confidence Report. Little Rock: Arkansas Department of Health. 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
49. ^ "Northeast Arkansas Public Water Authority Annual Drinking Water Quality Report" (PDF). Consumer Confidence Report. Little Rock: Arkansas Department of Health. 2015. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved December 21, 2016.
50. ^ "Community Water System Data". Little Rock: Arkansas Department of Health, Engineering Section. Retrieved December 5, 2016.

* Staff of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension (2015). "Rural Profile of Arkansas" (PDF). Little Rock: University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 18, 2015. Retrieved December 5, 2016. `{{cite journal}}`: Cite journal requires `|journal=` (help)
* Staff of the Arkansas Judiciary (December 14, 2016). "Arkansas Judicial Directory" (PDF). Little Rock: Arkansas Judiciary. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 4, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2016.

## External links

[edit]

* Randolph County Chamber of Commerce
* Randolph County Tourism Association
* Randolph County Sheriff's Office

* v
* t
* e

Places adjacent to Randolph County, Arkansas

| Oregon County, Missouri |  | Ripley County, Missouri

|
|

|  |
Sharp County |

Randolph County, Arkansas

| Clay County
|  |
| Lawrence County | Greene County

* v
* t
* e

Municipalities and communities of Randolph County, Arkansas, United States

County seat: Pocahontas

Cities|

* Pocahontas
* Reyno

Map of Arkansas highlighting Randolph County

Towns|

* Biggers
* Maynard
* O'Kean
* Ravenden Springs

Townships|

* Baker
* Bristow
* Butler
* Columbia
* Current River
* Dalton
* Demun
* East Roanoke
* Eleven Point
* Foster
* Ingram
* Jackson
* Jane's Creek
* Little Black
* O'Kean
* Reyno
* Richardson
* Running Lake
* Shiloh
* Siloam
* Spring River
* Union
* Warm Springs
* Water Valley
* West Roanoke
* Wiley

CDP|

* Warm Springs

Other unincorporated
communities|

* Birdell
* Elevenpoint
* Fender

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* Davidsonville

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State of Arkansas

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36°20′41″N 91°00′46″W﻿ / ﻿36.34472°N 91.01278°W﻿ / 36.34472; -91.01278

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