Benton, TN
Population 1,349 · Tennessee
About Benton, TN
Benton is a small town located in Tennessee with a population of 1,349 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,000 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.7 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 $167,700, which is 32% 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 $530, 54% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 646 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (317 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (223 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 9.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Benton have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.3% of Benton 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 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Benton Ranks in Tennessee
Cost of Living in Benton, TN
Compared to national averages, Benton has a median household income of $35,000 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $167,700, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $530 is 54% below the US average of $1,163. Within Tennessee, Benton's income is 44% below the state average of $62,849, and home values are 22% below the state median of $214,371.
Why Live in Benton, TN?
Benton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $167,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $530/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,000) 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 1,349 with a median age of 38.7 years. Compare Benton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Tennessee.
Similar Cities Near Benton
Cities in Tennessee with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Byrdstown | 1,344 | $32,250 | $158,000 | Compare |
| Bruceton | 1,363 | $55,962 | $107,700 | Compare |
| Sullivan Gardens | 1,334 | $43,574 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Fincastle | 1,328 | $60,337 | $205,200 | Compare |
| Graysville | 1,371 | $38,750 | $95,300 | Compare |
| Huntland | 1,381 | $66,574 | $151,100 | Compare |
| Gordonsville | 1,385 | $64,432 | $238,800 | Compare |
| Linden | 1,385 | $57,212 | $80,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Tennessee
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, TN?
The population of Benton, TN is 1,349 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Tennessee.
What is the median household income in Benton?
The median household income in Benton, TN is $35,000 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Benton?
The median home value in Benton, TN is $167,700, which is 32% 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, TN is $530, which is 54% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Benton?
The unemployment rate in Benton, TN is 9.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Benton, TN a good place to live?
Benton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,349 and a median age of 38.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Benton, TN?
11.3% 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, TN: median home value is $167,700 (32% below national), median rent is $530/month, and median household income is $35,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Benton?
The poverty rate in Benton, TN is 14.5%, 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, TN?
Benton's population is 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 3.0% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.