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Hector, Arkansas Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

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Hector, Arkansas is a small town located in Pope County, nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks. With a population of only around 200 people, it is one of the smallest towns in Arkansas. Despite its size, Hector has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 1800s.

The town was founded by settlers from Tennessee and Kentucky who were looking for a new home in the wilderness of Arkansas. The first settler was named William Higginbotham, who acquired land from the government and built his homestead on what is now known as Hector Road. In 1835, he opened up a post office and store which became known as “Higginbotham’s Store.” The store served as an important meeting place for local farmers and ranchers to exchange goods and services.

The area quickly grew with more settlers arriving over time, including many German immigrants who began farming in the area around 1840. They brought with them their own culture which is still evident today in some of Hector’s customs such as festivals like Oktoberfest which are held annually.

In 1870, Hector officially became an incorporated town when it was granted its charter by Pope County Courthouse. The first mayor was Robert Tacker who served until 1879 when he decided to move to California for better opportunities.

Today, Hector is still a small town with agricultural roots that provide much of its economy. It has several businesses such as grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and other services that provide necessary goods and services to locals and visitors alike. There are also several churches located throughout town including First Baptist Church which dates back to 1871 when it was founded by Reverend John Tacker who arrived from Tennessee with his family shortly after Hector’s incorporation.

Hector also boasts several historical sites such as Higginbotham’s Store which has been preserved since its opening days over 180 years ago and serves as an important reminder of the town’s history and culture; along with various other buildings throughout downtown like the old bank building which serves as an example of classic early-20th century architecture; or St John’s Lutheran Church built in 1895 which still stands strong today despite numerous storms over time; or even Oak Hill Cemetery where many pioneers are buried that helped shape this small yet vibrant community into what it is today: A charming little Arkansas town full of history just waiting to be explored.

Population: 506. Estimated population in July 2024: 517 (+2.2% change)
Males: 263 (52.0%), Females: 243 (48.0%)

Pope County

Zip code: 72843

Demographics

Median resident age: 35.7 years
Median household income: $31,250
Median house value: $53,000

Population by Race

Races in Hector:

  • White Non-Hispanic (94.9%)
  • Hispanic (2.6%)
  • American Indian (2.2%)
  • Two or more races (1.4%)
  • Other race (0.6%)

Ancestries: United States (27.5%), Irish (10.1%), German (8.9%), English (4.5%), Dutch (2.6%).

Elevation: 718 feet

Land area: 2.3 square miles

Map of Hector, AR

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Hector

  • High school or higher: 67.6%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.4%
  • Unemployed: 2.7%
  • Mean travel time to work: 29.8 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Hector town

  • Never married: 16.5%
  • Now married: 63.4%
  • Separated: 1.4%
  • Widowed: 12.3%
  • Divorced: 6.4%

0.6% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -50 (-9.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Hector:

  • ST MARYS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 17 miles; RUSSELLVILLE, AR)
  • DARDANELLE HOSPITAL (about 23 miles; DARDANELLE, AR)
  • ST ANTHONY’S HEALTHCARE CENTER (about 27 miles; MORRILTON, AR)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Hector:

  • MEMORIAL FIELD (about 69 miles; HOT SPRINGS, AR; Abbreviation: HOT)
  • LITTLE ROCK AFB (about 71 miles; JACKSONVILLE, AR; Abbreviation: LRF)
  • ADAMS FIELD (about 74 miles; LITTLE ROCK, AR; Abbreviation: LIT)

Other public-use airports nearest to Hector:

  • RUSSELLVILLE RGNL (about 17 miles; RUSSELLVILLE, AR; Abbreviation: RUE)
  • PETIT JEAN PARK (about 24 miles; MORRILTON, AR; Abbreviation: MPJ)
  • MORRILTON MUNI (about 30 miles; MORRILTON, AR; Abbreviation: BDQ)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Hector:

  • ARKANSAS TECH UNIVERSITY (about 17 miles; RUSSELLVILLE, AR; Full-time enrollment: 4,450)
  • UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS (about 50 miles; CONWAY, AR; Full-time enrollment: 7,693)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS AT LITTLE ROCK (about 68 miles; LITTLE ROCK, AR; Full-time enrollment: 8,024)
  • ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY-BEEBE BRANCH (about 79 miles; BEEBE, AR; Full-time enrollment: 3,840)
  • HARDING UNIVERSITY (about 88 miles; SEARCY, AR; Full-time enrollment: 3,959)
  • WESTARK COLLEGE (about 90 miles; FT SMITH, AR; Full-time enrollment: 3,472)
  • UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS MAIN CAMPUS (about 90 miles; FAYETTEVILLE, AR; Full-time enrollment: 13,324)

Schools

Public high school in Hector:

  • HECTOR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 344; Location: 11601 SR 27; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Hector:

  • HECTOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 358; Location: 104 SYCAMORE ST.; Grades: KG – 06)

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