Gray
RANK #13 / 996 NAT · #1 / 13 AR · POP 77,118
1YR FORECAST: +3.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +45%
White County, Arkansas, distinguishes itself with Searcy, its county seat, home to Harding University, the largest private university in the state. Located in north-central Arkansas, about 50 miles northeast of Little Rock, White County offers a blend of rolling uplands near the Ozark foothills and flatter farmlands. The Little Red River, renowned for trout fishing, flows through the county, providing outdoor recreation opportunities. The community maintains a conservative, family-oriented atmosphere. Life in White County is characterized by a strong sense of community. The local economy is diverse, supported by agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. Harding University and Unity Health are among the largest employers, contributing significantly to the area's economic landscape. Public schools in White County generally perform above average, with several districts receiving high ratings. The county's GDP grew by approximately 12% from 2018 to 2022, outpacing the state's growth.
Below national median (4.7x)
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing is fairly valued at 4.6x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
White County ranks #13 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 99/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +4.1% and a median household income of $51,144 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in White County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $150,700 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.34, with rents averaging $793/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in White County are hiring — job growth of +4.1% — but the population is close to flat (+0.1% YoY). Home values moved +3.9% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.64% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests White County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.