Izard County, Arkansas

Izard County is located in the Ozarks of north-central Arkansas. The county is known for its slower pace of life and diverse natural landscapes.

Melbourne, the county seat, has a population of around 1,800 people. It is home to Ozarka College, which adds an important educational presence to the area. The White River forms Izard County’s western boundary, while its tributaries provide some of the best trout fishing opportunities in the state.

The rugged Ozark terrain offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, hunting, and exploring. Agriculture remains an important part of the local economy, with cattle farming being especially prominent.

CategoryDetails
County NameIzard County
County SeatMelbourne
PopulationApproximately 13,000
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesMelbourne, Horseshoe Bend, Calico Rock, Oxford, Franklin, Mount Pleasant, Pineville
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. Route 69, State Route 5, State Route 9, State Route 56, State Route 58, State Route 289
FIPS Code05-065
Total Area (Land and Water)584 square miles (Land: 580 sq mi, Water: 4 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Fulton County (North), Sharp County (East), Independence County (Southeast), Stone County (Southwest), Baxter County (Northwest)
Time ZoneCentral Standard Time (CST)
StateArkansas
Coordinates36.0593° N, 91.9227° W
EtymologyNamed after George Izard, the second Governor of the Arkansas Territory
Major LandmarksBlanchard Springs Caverns, Ozark National Forest (partly), Calico Rock Historic District, Crown Lake, Izard County Courthouse
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