ArkansasPop. 36,595Small cities
Is Benton a Good Place to Live? Benton, Arkansas: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Benton ranks #594 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #110 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #27 of 182) and high graduation rates (93.4%, #38 of 191), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
Benton by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Benton's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Benton?
Benton's cost of living index is 89.4, 11% below the US level of 100 and #188 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,072/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $241,966, 6% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
| Measure | Benton | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89.4#188 of 1,308 | 86.9 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $241,966#224 of 1,187 | $227,264 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,498/mo#330 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $212,700#269 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $1,072/mo#291 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 17.7%#213 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Benton housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Benton is in the Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metro.
Arkansas housing market →Is Benton safe?
Benton recorded 445 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #777 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #129 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Benton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,873 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Benton | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 445#777 of 1,085 | 532 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,873#654 of 1,085 | 1,645 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Benton?
The median household in Benton earns $72,876, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Benton | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $72,876#758 of 1,312 | $62,106 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 3.3%#186 of 1,058 | 4.1% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 8.1%#337 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 of 1,132 | +0.6% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Benton?
The median resident of Benton is 38.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Benton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 38.1 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 28.3%#861 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 68.2% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Benton's schools and health?
Benton's 9 public schools graduate 93.4% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 15 students per teacher and $9,411 spent per pupil. 35% of adults are obese and 10.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Benton | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 93.4%#159 of 1,063 | 88.2% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $9,411#1168 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 35%#770 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.7%#555 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.4%#933 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 9.6%#604 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,196 students are enrolled in Benton's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Benton?
The average commute in Benton is 24.2 minutes (Arkansas 22.7); 0% of workers take transit and 9.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Benton scores 7.7 of 20 (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81°F and winters 43.8°F, with 53.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Benton | ArkansasAR | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 24.2 min#711 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.1%#411 of 1,312 | 5.6% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 79.9% | 78.4% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0% | 0.3% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1% | 1.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0% | 0.2% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 9.4% | 8.6% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 7.7#1122 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Arkansas is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52.5 | 30.6 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 57.1 | 34.3 | 4.2 |
| Mar | 65.7 | 41.4 | 5.1 |
| Apr | 74.5 | 49.9 | 5.6 |
| May | 81.6 | 59.6 | 5.2 |
| Jun | 89 | 68.6 | 3.9 |
| Jul | 92.9 | 72.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 92.6 | 70.8 | 3.5 |
| Sep | 86.7 | 62.8 | 3.8 |
| Oct | 76 | 51 | 4.4 |
| Nov | 64.1 | 40.3 | 4.8 |
| Dec | 54.8 | 33.2 | 4.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Benton.
| Measure | Benton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 62.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 81°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 43.8°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 53.4 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Benton.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Benton?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Benton's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Saline County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
| Measure | Benton | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.16%#752 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Saline County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Saline County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Ice storm | 0.0097% | 92% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.02% | 87% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.016% | 84% of counties |
| Winter weather | 0.0011% | 80% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0078% | 80% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.085% | 55% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Benton compare with similar-size cities?
Benton is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #110 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 36,595.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton, ARPop. 36,595 | #594 | 56.8 | $72,876 | $1,072/mo | 445 | 24.2 min |
| Leavenworth, KSPop. 37,195 | #820 | 53.0 | $72,987 | $1,229/mo | 455 | 19.6 min |
| South Valley, NMPop. 37,120 | #1229 | 43.7 | $58,224 | $954/mo | no data | 25.6 min |
| Richmond, KYPop. 37,111 | #678 | 55.5 | $50,870 | $917/mo | 243 | 23 min |
| Winchester, NVPop. 37,081 | #1285 | 39.0 | $50,120 | $1,220/mo | no data | 26 min |
| Manchester, CTPop. 36,759 | #531 | 57.6 | $74,267 | $1,384/mo | county/metro | 22.8 min |
| Muskogee, OKPop. 36,758 | #1279 | 39.6 | $50,213 | $858/mo | 846 | 19.3 min |
| Redmond, ORPop. 36,092 | #464 | 58.7 | $84,164 | $1,628/mo | 204 | 21.4 min |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #697 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 | 26.9 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Benton compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Benton ranks #5 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 17% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Arkansas home.
| City | Rank in AR | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentonville, ARPop. 58,249 | #1 | 68.2 | $112,792 | $1,344/mo | 174 |
| Bella Vista, ARPop. 31,697 | #2 | 66.0 | $88,055 | $1,395/mo | 167 |
| Rogers, ARPop. 72,981 | #3 | 61.5 | $86,728 | $1,270/mo | 273 |
| Fayetteville, ARPop. 99,319 | #4 | 57.4 | $62,695 | $1,065/mo | 446 |
| Benton, ARPop. 36,595 | #5 | 56.8 | $72,876 | $1,072/mo | 445 |
| Cabot, ARPop. 26,960 | #6 | 54.8 | $75,000 | $1,110/mo | 359 |
| Sherwood, ARPop. 33,070 | #7 | 54.3 | $81,328 | $1,101/mo | 611 |
| Springdale, ARPop. 88,160 | #8 | 54.2 | $69,787 | $1,071/mo | 527 |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #9 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 |
| Paragould, ARPop. 30,215 | #10 | 49.9 | $56,980 | $925/mo | 268 |
| Russellville, ARPop. 29,162 | #11 | 49.7 | $50,877 | $842/mo | 460 |
| Jonesboro, ARPop. 80,137 | #12 | 47.9 | $55,424 | $956/mo | 575 |
| Fort Smith, ARPop. 89,805 | #13 | 47.7 | $54,816 | $884/mo | 793 |
| Hot Springs, ARPop. 37,920 | #14 | 46.5 | $47,760 | $914/mo | 500 |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #15 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 |
| North Little Rock, ARPop. 64,538 | #16 | 42.4 | $52,707 | $1,069/mo | 960 |
| Jacksonville, ARPop. 29,221 | #17 | 41.9 | $49,666 | $930/mo | 971 |
| Texarkana, ARPop. 29,177 | #18 | 39.7 | $45,835 | $909/mo | 1,230 |
| West Memphis, ARPop. 23,929 | #19 | 35.3 | $42,674 | $870/mo | 1,785 |
| Pine Bluff, ARPop. 39,743 | #20 | 34.7 | $42,718 | $855/mo | 1,393 |
All 20 Arkansas cities we track, by overall score. Arkansas statewide: median income $62,106, violent crime 531.8 per 100,000.
How is Benton's score calculated?
Benton scores 56.8 out of 100, #594 of 1,312 (grade B, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Arkansas's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Benton. Similar-size median 52.9.
55.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Benton's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
65.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Benton. Similar-size median 52.2.
51.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Benton's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
56.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Benton's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
82.0 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Benton. Similar-size median 46.7.
57.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Benton. Similar-size median 44.2.
59.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Benton. Similar-size median 47.3.
42.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Benton's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
35.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
44.6 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Benton's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Benton has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Benton
Is Benton, AR a good place to live?
Benton ranks #594 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #110 of 208 small cities and #5 of 20 in Arkansas. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #27 of 182) and high graduation rates (93.4%, #38 of 191), with no measure in the bottom quarter.
What is the cost of living in Benton?
Benton's cost of living index is 89.4, 11% below the US level of 100 and #188 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,072/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $241,966, 6% above the typical Arkansas home ($227,264).
What is the crime rate in Benton?
Benton recorded 445 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 36% above the US rate of 328 and 16% below Arkansas's 532. That ranks #777 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #129 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Benton Police Department. Property crime runs 1,873 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Benton?
The median household in Benton earns $72,876, 12% below the US figure of $83,163 and 17% above Arkansas ($62,106). Unemployment is 3.3% (US 4.3%). 8.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Benton?
Median rent in Benton is $1,072/mo (Census), #291 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,498/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 17.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Benton?
The typical home value in Benton is $241,966, up 2.5% in a year, against $227,264 for Arkansas and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $212,700.
How are the public schools in Benton?
Benton's 9 public schools graduate 93.4% of students in four years (Arkansas 88.2%), with 15 students per teacher and $9,411 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Benton?
The average commute is 24.2 minutes, #711 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Arkansas. 4.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Benton?
Benton averages 62.6°F over the year, 81°F in summer and 43.8°F in winter, with 53.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Benton walkable?
Benton scores 7.7 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1122 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Benton at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Saline County's biggest natural hazard losses in ice storm, tornado, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 55% of US counties.
Who lives in Benton?
Benton has 36,595 residents. The median resident of Benton is 38.1 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 28.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #861 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 68.2% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Benton compare with the rest of Arkansas?
Benton ranks #5 of the 20 Arkansas cities we track, with a score of 56.8 against Arkansas's statewide 40.1. Its households earn 17% above the Arkansas median. Violent crime is 16% below the statewide rate. Homes are 6% above the typical Arkansas home.
What cities are similar in size to Benton?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Benton's population of 36,595 are Leavenworth, KS (#820 overall), South Valley, NM (#1229 overall), Richmond, KY (#678 overall), Winchester, NV (#1285 overall), and Manchester, CT (#531 overall). Benton is #594.