Arkadelphia is a city in Clark County, Arkansas, United States. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city was 10,548.[1] The city is the county seat of Clark County.[2] The city is situated at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Two universities, Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University, are located there.
Geography
Arkadelphia is located at 34°7′19″N 93°3′58″W / 34.12194°N 93.06611°W / 34.12194; -93.06611 (34.121920, -93.066178).[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 7.4 square miles (19.1 km²), of which, 7.3 square miles (19.0 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square miles (0.1 km²) of it is water. The total area is 0.41% water.
Demographics
As of the census[4] of 2000, there were 10,912 people, 3,865 households, and 2,187 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,486.2 people per square mile (574.0/km²). There were 4,216 housing units at an average density of 574.2/sq mi (221.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 68.98% White, 26.51% Black or African American, 0.53% Native American, 1.29% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.35% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. 2.59% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 3,865 households out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.6% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.7% had someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.87.
In the city the population was spread out with 18.1% under the age of 18, 32.9% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 14.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age was 24 years. For every 100 females there were 85.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.4 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $26,651, and the median income for a family was $42,479. Males had a median income of $30,152 versus $19,459 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,268. 23.2% of the population and 19.8% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 25.8% of those under the age of 18 and 15.9% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Government
The City of Arkadelphia operates under the City Manager form of government. There is a seven member city council known as the board of directors who appoint the City Manager. Five members of the board are elected via ward. Two of the members are elected at large, one of which is the Mayor position.
Etymology
The site was settled in about 1809 by John Hemphill, operator of a nearby salt works, Arkansas's first industry. It was known as Blakelytown until 1839, when the settlement adopted its present name of Arkadelphia. The city's name Arkadelphia was likely formed by combining Ark- from the state's name Arkansas and adelphia as in Philadelphia.[1].
Recreation
Hiking through the Ouachita National Forest is a popular pastime around Arkadelphia.[citation needed] The DeGray Lake State Park has camping, water sports, golf, and hiking. Fishing is also popular.[citation needed] Arkadelphia Aquatic Park is a water park open during the summer months.
Notable former or present citizens
Transportation
References
External links
