Yellville Demographics: Population Trends and Community Profile

Yellville Demographics: Population Trends and Community Profile

Yellville presents a compelling case study of a rural community's evolution over more than a century and a half. From its early days in the mid-19th century to the modern era, the town's population has experienced significant fluctuations, reflecting the broader economic and social shifts of its region.

Key Facts

  • Current Population: 1,178 residents as of the 2020 Census.
  • Community Type: 100% rural classification.
  • Median Age: 41.8 years (2020).
  • Gender Ratio: 83.8 males for every 100 females.
  • Housing: 15.7% vacancy rate across 540 housing units in 2020.
  • Historical Peak: The population reached its highest recorded census point in 2000 with 1,312 residents.

Population History and Growth Trends

The demographic trajectory of Yellville has been marked by periods of rapid growth followed by gradual declines. In 1860, the population stood at 170, dropping to 96 by 1870. However, the town saw a massive surge by 1880, growing by 259.4% to reach 345 residents.

Throughout the 20th century, Yellville continued to fluctuate. It experienced a notable climb between 1960 and 1990, eventually peaking at 1,312 residents in the 2000 census. Recent data indicates a slight downward trend, with the 2020 census recording 1,178 residents and a 2025 estimate projecting a further decrease to 1,095.

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Historical Population Data Table

Yellville Population Changes (1860–2025)
Census Year Population Percentage Change
1860 170
1880 345 +259.4%
1920 615 +32.8%
1950 697 +27.7%
1980 1,044 +21.4%
2000 1,312 +11.1%
2020 1,178 -2.2%
2025 (est.) 1,095 -7.0%

Community Composition and Household Dynamics

As of the 2020 census, Yellville is characterized as a entirely rural community. The population is distributed across 455 households, with a median age of 41.8 years. Age distribution shows that 23.0% of the population is under 18, while 21.1% are seniors aged 65 or older.

Household structures vary significantly. Approximately 36.9% of households are married couples, while 36.7% are headed by a female with no spouse or partner present, and 18.9% are headed by a male with no spouse or partner. A significant portion of the community consists of single-person households, accounting for 35.6% of all residences, with 17.2% of these being seniors living alone.

Racial and Ethnic Diversity

The racial makeup of Yellville has remained predominantly White, though diversity has shifted slightly over two decades. In 2000, the population was 97.71% White. By 2020, the non-Hispanic White population was 89.9%, with other groups including Hispanic or Latino (2.8%), Other/Mixed (5.69%), Native American (1.1%), and Asian (0.51%).

Housing and Economic Indicators

Housing availability in Yellville is managed across 540 units. The overall vacancy rate stands at 15.7%, with a notable difference between homeowner vacancies (2.8%) and rental vacancies (7.8%).

Looking back at the 2000 economic data, the median household income was $26,250, while the median family income was slightly higher at $31,793. There was a visible gender pay gap, with males earning a median income of $26,000 compared to $18,056 for females. During that period, 17.7% of the population lived below the poverty line, with the highest rate affecting those under the age of 18 (22.2%).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current population of Yellville?

According to the 2020 census, Yellville has a population of 1,178 people.

Is Yellville considered an urban or rural area?

Yellville is 100% rural, with 0.0% of its residents living in urban areas.

What is the median age of Yellville residents?

The median age was recorded as 41.8 years in the 2020 census.

What is the racial composition of the town?

As of 2020, the population is 89.9% White (non-Hispanic), 5.69% Other/Mixed, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Native American, and 0.51% Asian.

How many people in Yellville live alone?

Approximately 35.6% of all households are made up of individuals, and 17.2% of all households consist of someone 65 years of age or older living alone.

References

  1. "Duren appointed new mayor of Yellville; park road named in memory of Mayor Lane". 2025.
  2. "2021 U.S. Gazetteer Files: Arkansas". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  3. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Yellville, Arkansas
  4. "P1. Race – Yellville city, Arkansas: 2020 DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171)". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  5. "Vintage 2025 Total Population Estimates for Incorporated Places and Minor Civil Divisions; Housing Unit Estimates for the Nation, States and Counties". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2026.