Rector, Arkansas

Rector is a city in southeastern Clay County, Arkansas, United States. The population was 1,977 at the 2010 census.[3]

Rector, Arkansas
City
Main Street (AR 90)
Main Street (AR 90)
Location of Rector in Clay County, Arkansas.
Location of Rector in Clay County, Arkansas.
Coordinates: 36°15′51″N 90°17′37″W
CountryUnited States
StateArkansas
CountyClay
Area
[1]
 • Total1.36 sq mi (3.53 km2)
 • Land1.36 sq mi (3.53 km2)
 • Water0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2)
Elevation
[2]
292 ft (89 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total1,862
 • Density1,366.10/sq mi (527.58/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP code
72461
Area code870
FIPS code05-58490
GNIS feature ID2404599[2]
Websitewww.rectorarkansas.com

History

Rector is named after Governor Henry Massey Rector (1816–1899).[4]

In 1881 the Texas and St. Louis Railroad laid out the town of Rector about 2 miles (3 km) to the south of an existing settlement named Scatterville, and the population of Scatterville gradually migrated to the new town.[5]

Geography

Rector is located in southern Clay County along the southeastern edge of Crowley's Ridge. U.S. Route 49 passes through the city, leading northeast 13 miles (21 km) to Piggott and southwest 7 miles (11 km) to Marmaduke. In the southern part of the city, Arkansas Highway 90 (Main Street) intersects US 49.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Rector has a total area of 1.4 square miles (3.5 km2), all land.[3]

Though a small portion of the town and surrounding area lies along Crowley’s Ridge, the majority of the town and surrounding land is flat and well-suited to farming.

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1890525—
1900520−1.0%
19101,859257.5%
19201,801−3.1%
19301,617−10.2%
19401,7367.4%
19501,8556.9%
19601,757−5.3%
19701,99013.3%
19802,33617.4%
19902,268−2.9%
20002,017−11.1%
20101,977−2.0%
20201,862−5.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]

2020 census
Rector racial composition[7]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 1,693 90.92%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 12 0.64%
Native American 11 0.59%
Asian 1 0.05%
Pacific Islander 3 0.16%
Other/Mixed 81 4.35%
Hispanic or Latino 61 3.28%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,862 people, 805 households, and 460 families residing in the city.

2000 census

As of the census[8] of 2000, the racial makeup of the city was 98.26% White, 0.55% Native American, 0.20% Asian, and 0.99% from two or more races. 0.89% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were households, out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.6% were non-families. 35.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.83.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 24.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $21,051, and the median income for a family was $29,330. Males had a median income of $27,650 versus $19,293 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,931. About 17.9% of families and 23.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under age 18 and 31.6% of those age 65 or over.

Annual cultural events

The Rector Labor Day Picnic features a rodeo, a parade, beauty pageants, and is a popular political campaign stop.[4]

Education

Public education is primarily provided by the Rector School District, which leads to graduation from Rector High School. The Rector School District was known as Clay County Central School District from 1985 until 2000. The current school district mascot is the cougar.

Notable people

References
  1. "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved October 29, 2021.
  2. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Rector, Arkansas
  3. "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Rector city, Arkansas". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  4. Tracy L. Johnson, "Rector (Clay County)," Encyclopedia of Arkansas History and Culture, 2017.
  5. Rachel Silva, "Walks Through History: Rector CHD," Arkansas Historic Preservation Program website, 14 August 2010.
  6. "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.
  7. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  8. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
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