Harrisburg, Arkansas Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

Harrisburg, Arkansas is a small town located in Poinsett County. With a population of 1,813 people according to the 2019 census, it is the largest city in Poinsett County. The geography of Harrisburg is diverse and includes rolling hills and wooded areas. It is situated near Crowley’s Ridge, a geological formation that runs through the eastern part of Arkansas. The climate in Harrisburg is mild with hot summers and cold winters.

The history of Harrisburg dates back to its first settlement in 1856. It was incorporated as a town in 1885 and has had a long history of political involvement with both state and federal representatives holding office there. Politically, Harrisburg leans towards the Republican Party with most residents voting Republican.

The economy of Harrisburg relies heavily on agriculture, which makes up a large portion of its workforce and income sources. The town also has several local businesses that provide jobs for many residents including retail stores, restaurants, banks, and medical facilities. Education wise, there are four public schools located in the town – three elementary schools and one high school – as well as several private schools for those looking for alternative options.

When it comes to landmarks in Harrisburg, there are plenty to choose from including Crowley’s Ridge State Park which offers outdoor activities such as hiking trails and fishing spots; the historic Poinsett County Courthouse which was built in 1887; the Poinsett County Museum which houses artifacts from the county’s past; and several local churches like First United Methodist Church which was established back in 1856 when the town was first settled.

Population: 2,192. Estimated population in July 2024: 2,165 (-1.2% change)
Males: 1,041 (47.5%), Females: 1,151 (52.5%)

Poinsett County

Zip code: 72432

Demographics

Median resident age: 37.2 years
Median household income: $22,862
Median house value: $43,000

Population by Race

Races in Harrisburg:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.3%)
  • Black (3.2%)
  • Hispanic (1.5%)
  • Other race (0.9%)
  • Two or more races (0.8%)

Ancestries: United States (20.7%), Irish (11.4%), German (6.9%), English (3.7%), Dutch (2.4%), Scotch-Irish (1.0%).

Elevation: 311 feet

Land area: 2.1 square miles

Map of Harrisburg, AR

Population by Education

Harrisburg, Arkansas is a small town located in Poinsett County. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,580 people. The majority of the population is white with African Americans making up the second largest demographic group. The median age for the town’s residents is 37 years old. The median household income is $30,735 and the median family income is $33,958. The town has an unemployment rate of 4.3%. Most of the town’s residents are employed in retail and manufacturing industries, while others are employed in education and health services. Harrisburg has a large retirement population as well as many young families who have moved to the area for its low cost of living and rural charm. Education plays an important role in Harrisburg with several public schools serving students from kindergarten through grade 12 as well as a local community college offering certificate programs for adults. There are also several churches throughout the area which provide spiritual guidance to many members of the community. With its small-town atmosphere and affordable cost of living, Harrisburg continues to be an attractive option for those looking to settle down in a rural setting with access to all modern amenities.

For population 25 years and over in Harrisburg

  • High school or higher: 63.1%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 8.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 2.6%
  • Unemployed: 4.3%
  • Mean travel time to work: 24.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Harrisburg city

  • Never married: 15.1%
  • Now married: 52.5%
  • Separated: 1.9%
  • Widowed: 13.1%
  • Divorced: 17.4%

0.0% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +234 (+12.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Harrisburg:

  • HEALTHSOUTH REHAB HOSP OF JONESBORO (about 20 miles; JONESBORO, AR)
  • REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER OF NEA (about 20 miles; JONESBORO, AR)
  • ST BERNARDS BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (about 20 miles; JONESBORO, AR)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Harrisburg:

  • MILLINGTON MUNI (about 61 miles; MILLINGTON, TN; Abbreviation: NQA)
  • MEMPHIS INTL (about 64 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Abbreviation: MEM)
  • LITTLE ROCK AFB (about 108 miles; JACKSONVILLE, AR; Abbreviation: LRF)

Other public-use airports nearest to Harrisburg:

  • SALLY WOFFORD (about 13 miles; WEINER, AR; Abbreviation: 8M2)
  • JONESBORO MUNI (about 19 miles; JONESBORO, AR; Abbreviation: JBR)
  • MARKED TREE MUNI (about 23 miles; MARKED TREE, AR; Abbreviation: 6M8)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Harrisburg:

  • ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-MAIN CAMPUS (about 20 miles; STATE UNIVERSITY, AR; Full-time enrollment: 8,696)
  • UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS (about 58 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 15,831)
  • SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-UNION CAMPUS (about 58 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 6,979)
  • THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER (about 58 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 2,019)
  • SOUTHWEST TENNESSEE COMMUNITY COLLEGE-MACON CAMPUS (about 65 miles; MEMPHIS, TN; Full-time enrollment: 6,979)
  • HARDING UNIVERSITY (about 74 miles; SEARCY, AR; Full-time enrollment: 3,959)
  • NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 85 miles; SENATOBIA, MS; Full-time enrollment: 3,842)

Schools

Public high school in Harrisburg:

  • HARRISBURG HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 301; Location: 501 WEST SOUTH ST.; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Harrisburg:

  • HARRISBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 419; Location: 1003 SOUTH ILLINOIS; Grades: KG – 04)
  • HARRISBURG MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 359; Location: 401 WEST SOUTH ST.; Grades: 05 – 08)
  • CENTRAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 269; Location: 15781 HIGHWAY 163; Grades: 05 – 06)