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Community Profile

Community Profile

Independence County is the hub for economic development in North Central Arkansas and the premier location for new business and development. Numerous healthcare facilities, manufacturing industries, corporate offices, commercial retail stores, and small businesses call Independence County home. Our diverse range of commerce is reflective of our ability to grow small local companies and attract major corporations with unique cooperation between local government, education, and the private sector.


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37,910

Independence County Population

As of 2021, Independence County's population increased by 2.1% since 2016, growing by 789. The City of Batesville's population grew by 8.5% over the same period. County and city populations are expected to continue to increase between 2021 and 2026. 


18,865

Total Regional Employment

From 2016 to 2021, jobs increased by 7.7% in Independence County to 18,865. This change outpaces the national growth rate of 0.7% by 7%. Jobs are projected to grow another 8.2% over the next five years.


$44.3K

Median Household Income

In 2019, the median household income in Independence County was $18.5k below the national median household income of $62.8K.
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  • Recognized as a “Top 25 City” in the nation for its attractions, hospitality, and affordability by USA Today

  • Recognized as a “Trendsetter City” for its achievements in Public Safety, Wellness, Infrastructure, and the Environment by Arkansas Business

  • Batesville’s White River Wonderland Christmas lights display was named a finalist for the “Arkansas Tourism Attraction of the Year” Award by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism

  • Top 50 best places to live in Arkansas (out of 1498 communities)

  • 45th best place to buy a house in Arkansas (out of 1498 communities)

  • Top 40 best public schools in Arkansas

  • Among the 10% lowest cost-of-living places in America


  • Peco Foods (1500 employees)

  • White River Health (1381)

  • Ozark Mountain Poultry (950)

  • White River Area Agency on Aging (780)

  • Bad Boy Mowers (740)

  • FutureFuel Chemical Company (477)

  • First Community Bank (417)

  • Intimidator Group (350)

  • Walmart Supercenter (344)

  • Independence County (231)

  • Citizens Bank (215)

  • Flowers Baking Co. (200)

  • Lyon College (192)

  • Wood-Lawn (185)

  • University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (182)

  • City of Batesville & Utilities (146)

  • LifePlus (132)

  • Littlefield Oil (130)

  • Atlas Asphalt/White River Materials (120)

  • Mountain Meadows Nursing & Rehab (112)

  • Production Technology and Heavy Machinery
  • Livestock Processing
  • Agriculture Inputs and Services
  • Electric Power Generation and Transmission
  • Local Financial Services
  • Construction Products and Services
  • Automotive
  • Local Commerical Services
  • Paper and Packaging
  • Local Health Services
  • Biopharmaceuticals
  • Local Education and Training
  • Medical Devices
  • Metalworking Technology
  • State Government Services
  • Financial Services
  • Nonmetal Mining
  • Local Logistical Services
  • Business Services
  • Local Utilities
  • Local Real Estate, Construction, and Development
  • Distribution and Electronic Commerce
  • Forestry
  • Local Government Services
  • Downstream Metal Products
  • Manufacturing

  • Health Care and Social Assistance

  • Government

  • Retail Trade

  • Accommodation and Food Services


  • Manufacturing
  • Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
  • Construction
  • Health Care and Social Assistance
  • Finance and Insurance
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