Benton Heights, MI
Population 3,572 · Michigan
About Benton Heights, MI
Benton Heights is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 3,572 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,871 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 30.6 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Benton Heights features a median home value of $87,500, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Benton Heights one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $546, 53% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,628 total housing units, 47% are owner-occupied (687 units) and 53% are renter-occupied (763 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Benton Heights shows an unemployment rate of 5.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 41.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Benton Heights have an average one-way commute time of 14.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
11.4% of Benton Heights residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 23.7% White, 12.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 8.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Benton Heights Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Benton Heights, MI
Compared to national averages, Benton Heights has a median household income of $33,871 (55% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $87,500, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $546 is 53% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Benton Heights's income is 49% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 52% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Benton Heights, MI?
Benton Heights offers affordable housing with a median home value of $87,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $546/month, and short commute times averaging just 14.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,871) that falls below the national average. However, Benton Heights’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Benton Heights has a population of 3,572 with a median age of 30.6 years. Compare Benton Heights with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Benton Heights
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romeo | 3,654 | $73,500 | $245,700 | Compare |
| Durand | 3,485 | $60,032 | $123,900 | Compare |
| Cedar Springs | 3,661 | $56,711 | $203,400 | Compare |
| Oxford | 3,478 | $88,214 | $351,300 | Compare |
| Imlay City | 3,706 | $55,061 | $137,800 | Compare |
| Plainwell | 3,764 | $65,846 | $191,100 | Compare |
| Level Park-Oak Park | 3,367 | $70,051 | $128,100 | Compare |
| Paw Paw Lake | 3,794 | $65,360 | $191,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Benton Heights With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Benton Heights
What is the population of Benton Heights, MI?
The population of Benton Heights, MI is 3,572 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Benton Heights?
The median household income in Benton Heights, MI is $33,871 per year, which is 55% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Benton Heights?
The median home value in Benton Heights, MI is $87,500, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Benton Heights?
The median monthly rent in Benton Heights, MI is $546, which is 53% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Benton Heights?
The unemployment rate in Benton Heights, MI is 5.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Benton Heights, MI a good place to live?
Benton Heights offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,572 and a median age of 30.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Benton Heights, MI?
11.4% of residents in Benton Heights 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 Heights?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Benton Heights, MI: median home value is $87,500 (64% below national), median rent is $546/month, and median household income is $33,871. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Benton Heights?
The poverty rate in Benton Heights, MI is 41.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Benton Heights, MI?
Benton Heights's population is 23.7% White, 12.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 51.3% two or more races. 8.8% of residents are foreign-born.