Saline County is a county located in the U.S. state of Arkansas. As of the 2020 census, the population was 123,416. Its county seat and largest city is Benton. Saline County was formed on November 2, 1835, and named for the salt water (brine) springs in the area, despite a differing pronunciation from saline. Until November 2014, it was an alcohol prohibition or dry county. Saline County is included in the Central Arkansas region.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 730 sqmi, of which 724 sqmi is land and 6.9 sqmi (0.9%) is water.

Major highways

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 123,416 people, 45,455 households, and 31,395 families residing in the county.

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 83,529 people, 31,778 households, and 24,500 families residing in the county. The population density was 116 PD/sqmi. There were 33,825 housing units at an average density of 47 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 95.27% White, 2.20% Black or African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.57% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.45% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. 1.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 31,778 households, out of which 35.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.80% were married couples living together, 9.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.90% were non-families. 19.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.94. In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 30.20% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males. The median income for a household in the county was $42,569, and the median income for a family was $48,717. Males had a median income of $32,052 versus $23,294 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,214. About 5.00% of families and 7.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.80% of those under age 18 and 7.30% of those age 65 or over.

Media

The area is served online and in print by The Saline Courier.

Government

Over the past few election cycles Saline County has trended heavily towards the GOP. The last Democrat (as of the 2024 election) to carry this county was Bill Clinton in 1996.

Communities

Cities

Town

Census-designated places

Unincorporated communities

Townships

Source:

Education

School districts include: Former school districts: