Overview
Located along the state’s southern border, Union County is the largest county in the Golden Triangle by population and the largest county in the state by area. As of the 2010 census, Union County had a population of 41,639 over its 1,055 square miles.
Industry
Union County’s economic base is dependent on its vast amount of natural resources. Not only does the county share the nation’s largest bromine reserve with Columbia County, but it also benefits from its oil and timber reserves. Some of Union County’s largest employers depend on these natural resources.
Cities
Union County is home to the following cities and towns (population):
- El Dorado (18,491)
- Calion (516)
- Huttig (731)
- Junction City (721)
- Norphlet (822)
- Smackover (1,929)
- Strong (651)
- Felsenthal (150)
Transportation
Three U.S. highways cross Union County including U.S. 167, a major artery of traffic from south Arkansas to Little Rock, and U.S. 82 which spans the entire state through the southern-most counties. Union County will one day be part of the Interstate 69 corridor.
The South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field provides general aviation services to Union County. The airport is also served by Southern Airways Express as an Essential Air Service. The runway measures 6,601 feet.
Education
More than 7,000 students in Union County are served by six public school districts. Those districts include El Dorado, Junction City, Parkers Chapel, Smackover-Norphlet, and Strong-Huttig.
South Arkansas Community College, known locally as SouthArk, is a public, comprehensive community college with an open-door policy, providing educational programs, workforce development, civic and cultural enrichment, and support services to students and residents in its service area.
For more information, visit Union County’s website.