Major highways

• Future Interstate 69
• U.S. Highway 65
• U.S. Highway 165
• U.S. Highway 278
• Highway 1
• Highway 4
• Highway 138

Adjacent counties

• Arkansas County (north)
• Phillips County (northeast)
• Bolivar County, Mississippi (east)
• Chicot County (south)
• Drew County (southwest)
• Lincoln County (northwest)

National protected area

• White River National Wildlife Refuge (part)

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 11,395 people, 5,204 households, and 3,545 families residing in the county.

2000 census

As of the 2000 census,^[14] there were 15,341 people, 5,922 households, and 4,192 families residing in the county. The population density was 20 people per square mile (7.7 people/km²). There were 6,663 housing units at an average density of 9 units per square mile (3.5 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 50.50% White, 46.33% Black or African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.73% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. 3.16% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,922 households, out of which 34.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.50% were married couples living together, 19.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.20% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.70% 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 3.10.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.90% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 25.20% from 25 to 44, 22.70% from 45 to 64, and 14.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $24,121, and the median income for a family was $30,028. Males had a median income of $29,623 versus $18,913 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,446. About 23.60% of families and 28.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.60% of those under age 18 and 24.00% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

• Arkansas City (county seat)^[16]
• Dumas
• McGehee
• Mitchellville
• Tillar (partly in Drew County)
• Watson

Towns

• Reed

Unincorporated areas

• Back Gate
• Halley
• Kelso
• Pea Ridge
• Pickens
• Rohwer
• Snow Lake

Historic community

• Napoleon

Townships

Townships in Arkansas are the divisions of a county. Each township includes unincorporated areas; some may have incorporated cities or towns within part of their boundaries. Arkansas townships have limited purposes in modern times. However, the United States census does list Arkansas population based on townships (sometimes referred to as "county subdivisions" or "minor civil divisions"). Townships are also of value for historical purposes in terms of genealogical research. Each town or city is within one or more townships in an Arkansas county based on census maps and publications. The townships of Desha County are listed below; listed in parentheses are the cities, towns, and/or census-designated places that are fully or partially inside the township. ^[17][18]