Benton, AR
Population 35,954 · Arkansas
About Benton, AR
Benton is a mid-sized city located in Arkansas with a population of 35,954 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,638 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Benton features a median home value of $199,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Benton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,003, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 15,705 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (9,607 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (5,158 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Benton shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Benton have an average one-way commute time of 23.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Benton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 5.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 2.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Climate & Weather
Benton experiences an annual average temperature of 64.3°F with 53.87" of precipitation per year. The moderate climate offers a balance of seasonal variety without extremes. Summer highs average around 94°F (July–August), while winter lows dip to approximately 39°F (December–January).
How Benton Ranks in Arkansas
Cost of Living in Benton, AR
Compared to national averages, Benton has a median household income of $69,638 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,400, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,003 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Benton's income is 33% above the state average of $52,241, and home values are 59% above the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Benton, AR?
Benton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,003/month, and a low poverty rate of 10.1%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 23.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,638) that falls below the national average. However, Benton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Benton has a population of 35,954 with a median age of 37.8 years. Compare Benton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
Similar Cities Near Benton
Cities in Arkansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs | 38,023 | $46,441 | $156,900 | Compare |
| Sherwood | 32,915 | $79,157 | $190,900 | Compare |
| Pine Bluff | 40,436 | $41,250 | $86,400 | Compare |
| Bella Vista | 30,935 | $85,932 | $262,400 | Compare |
| Paragould | 29,940 | $56,181 | $175,400 | Compare |
| Texarkana | 29,343 | $47,930 | $162,700 | Compare |
| Jacksonville | 29,285 | $46,947 | $155,300 | Compare |
| Russellville | 29,057 | $48,708 | $166,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Climate & Weather in Benton
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 56 | 61 | 64 | 71 | 82 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 89 | 74 | 63 | 57 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 46 | 51 | 61 | 69 | 73 | 74 | 68 | 56 | 45 | 39 |
| Rain " | 7.2 | 5.0 | 9.4 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 1.7 | 4.0 | 1.8 | 2.7 | 6.2 | 4.1 | 1.4 |
Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Benton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Benton
What is the population of Benton, AR?
The population of Benton, AR is 35,954 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Benton?
The median household income in Benton, AR is $69,638 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Benton?
The median home value in Benton, AR is $199,400, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Benton?
The median monthly rent in Benton, AR is $1,003, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Benton?
The unemployment rate in Benton, AR is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Benton, AR a good place to live?
Benton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 35,954 and a median age of 37.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Benton, AR?
28.6% of residents in Benton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Benton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Benton, AR: median home value is $199,400 (19% below national), median rent is $1,003/month, and median household income is $69,638. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Benton?
The poverty rate in Benton, AR is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Benton, AR?
Benton's population is 5.2% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 9.6% two or more races. 2.9% of residents are foreign-born.