Home Value
$336,500
19% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
566/100K
49% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.9%
88% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
7.2%
100% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Benbow Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population401
Median Age39.0 yrs
Density82/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans0.0%
Economy
Per Capita$28,760
Unemployment7.2%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$7,591M
Housing
Home Value$336,500
Ownership58.7%
Zillow$339,259
Housing Units104
Rent Burden37.1%
Crime
F
Violent566/100K
Property1,697/100K
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured9.9%
Smoking18.8%
Depression27.7%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI48 (Good)
Rain65.4 in/yr
Sunny Days269/yr
Elevation1,482 ft (452 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.9%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score4.55
Community
2024 VoteR 34% / D 62%
Broadband88.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries13
Is Benbow a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benbow receives an overall livability score of 1.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of F. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment. Benbow faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The unemployment rate of 7.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benbow is $336,500, 19% above the national median.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 566 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
3.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Benbow enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. With 269 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 65.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48.
Benbow has a population of 401 with a density of 82 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 39.0 years, 0% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.6% female and 51.4% male. The city is predominantly White (95.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 0.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.0yrs
Median Age
0% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $28,760 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,062, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 7.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,685 business establishments, including 393 restaurants. The cost of living index is 110.7, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $28,760 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,062 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,241 |
| Gini Index | 0.481 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 7.2% |
| 100% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,685 |
| County GDP | $7,591M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 393 |
| Healthcare | 384 |
| Retail | 538 |
| Manufacturing | 123 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 110.70 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.41% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 56.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Benbow is $336,500, 19% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $339,259. Fair market rent ranges from $1,647 for a one-bedroom to $2,053 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 104 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,760 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 37.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $336,500 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $339,259 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,513 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,647 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $2,053 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,752 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $3,165 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.3% |
| Housing Units | 104 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,760 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.41% |
In Benbow, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 32.7% have high blood pressure. 18.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.7% report binge drinking. 27.6% are physically inactive. 27.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642. The dentist ratio is 1:1,216. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benbow vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.7% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.8% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.6% |
| Depression | 27.7% |
| Mental Distress | 22.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,642 |
| Dentists | 1:1,216 |
| Mental Health | 1:160 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.2% |
| Dental Visits | 54.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,668/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 88.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 384 |
Benbow has a violent crime rate of 566 per 100,000 residents, 49% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,697 per 100,000, 13% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 24 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Benbow receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benbow vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 565.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,697.4/100K |
| 13% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 24 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benbow enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 44°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. The area gets 269 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 65.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 48. The city sits at an elevation of 1,482 feet.
Temperature
44°F Jan (7°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 56.1°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 44°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 269 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,482 ft (452 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 82/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.0603°N, 123.7654°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Redding Regional (RDD)
83 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
65.4"
72% above US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
12.13"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 48.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0303 ppm |
| NO₂ (Nitrogen Dioxide) | 3.1 ppb |
| SO₂ (Sulfur Dioxide) | 0.31 ppb |
| CO (Carbon Monoxide) | 0.23 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 10.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 96.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 56.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively High |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
No Rating |
| Landslide |
Relatively High |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
| Tsunami |
Relatively High |
| Volcano |
No Rating |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5,456 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M7.2. Most recent: M2.7 on Aug 23, 2025.
| Apr 25, 1992 |
The 1992 Petrolia, California Earthquake |
M7.2 |
50 km |
| Mar 10, 2014 |
77 km WNW of Indianola, California |
M6.8 |
144 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
32 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M6.6 |
76 km |
| Jan 10, 2010 |
The 2010 Eureka, California Earthquake |
M6.5 |
103 km |
| Apr 26, 1992 |
30 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M6.5 |
80 km |
| Aug 17, 1991 |
30 km SSW of Scotia, California |
M6.0 |
49 km |
| Feb 4, 2010 |
61 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.9 |
109 km |
| Mar 9, 2020 |
69km W of Petrolia, CA |
M5.8 |
119 km |
| Jan 28, 2015 |
40 km SW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
77 km |
| Mar 16, 2000 |
85 km WSW of Ferndale, California |
M5.7 |
130 km |
| Feb 13, 2012 |
26 km NNW of Willow Creek, California |
M5.6 |
120 km |
| Jan 22, 1997 |
33 km SW of Scotia, California |
M5.6 |
57 km |
| Jun 23, 2019 |
6km SSW of Petrolia, CA |
M5.6 |
51 km |
| Jan 16, 1990 |
30 km NW of Shelter Cove, California |
M5.4 |
50 km |
| Apr 30, 2008 |
3 km NNW of Burnt Ranch, California |
M5.4 |
89 km |
| Dec 26, 1994 |
7 km WNW of Fields Landing, California |
M5.4 |
88 km |
| Nov 27, 1998 |
87 km W of Ferndale, California |
M5.4 |
146 km |
| Jan 13, 2001 |
off the coast of Northern California |
M5.4 |
147 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
52km W of Ferndale, CA |
M5.4 |
114 km |
| Feb 26, 2007 |
51 km W of Ferndale, California |
M5.4 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
2 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF1.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 5, 1998 |
EF1 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 25, 2018 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
2 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 1.8 m (6 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1992 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
1.8 m |
— |
58 km |
| 2024 |
CAPE MENDOCINO, N. CALIFORNIA |
Earthquake |
0.1 m |
— |
112 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
2 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Clear Lake (148 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Clear Lake |
Volcanic field |
1,439 m (4,721 ft) |
Unknown |
148 km |
| Lassen Volcanic Center |
Stratovolcano |
3,187 m (10,456 ft) |
1917 |
197 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: AUGUST COMPLEX (1,068,802 ac, 2020).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2020 |
AUGUST COMPLEX |
1,068,802 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
MONUMENT |
226,125 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
MCFARLAND |
121,554 |
76 km |
| 2008 |
YOLLA BOLLY COMPLEX (IRON) |
94,888 |
67 km |
| 1987 |
MENDENHALL |
54,162 |
85 km |
| 2012 |
NORTH PASS |
43,689 |
64 km |
| 2017 |
REDWOOD VALLEY INCIDENT |
36,545 |
93 km |
| 2015 |
ROUTE COMPLEX |
35,444 |
63 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (EAGLE) |
32,397 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
PATTISON |
31,129 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (BUCKHORN) |
29,446 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (LIME) |
27,234 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
LIME COMPLEX (MINERS) |
25,680 |
77 km |
| 2008 |
IRON AND ALPS COMPLEXES (CEDAR) |
25,277 |
84 km |
| 2015 |
SHIELL |
24,830 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
LASSICS |
20,716 |
35 km |
| 2017 |
HELENA |
18,709 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
HUNTER |
16,757 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
BIG BAR COMPLEX (ONION) |
16,742 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
HELLS HALF FIRE (HALF) |
14,873 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
44°F (7°C) |
12.1 in |
|
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
9.8 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
9.4 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| June |
61°F (16°C) |
0.4 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
0.1 in |
Warmest, Driest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
48°F (9°C) |
10.8 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
12.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Benbow has a seasonal temperature swing of 27°F / from 43°F in December to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 66.9 inches, with December being the wettest month (12.1") and July the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Benbow. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$277 ($166–$443) |
| Specialist Visit |
$387 ($221–$609) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$221 ($111–$387) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,435 ($886–$5,535) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$144 ($83–$221) |
| Dental Filling |
$277 ($166–$443) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$50 ($28–$83) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$83 ($55–$133) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Tire Rotation |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$664 ($443–$1,107) |
| Battery Replacement |
$221 ($111–$387) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$111 ($66–$166) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$100 ($55–$155) |
| HVAC Repair |
$443 ($166–$886) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,749 ($4,428–$13,284) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,107 ($443–$2,214) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,963 ($6,089–$16,605) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,661 ($554–$3,875) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,605 ($5,535–$33,210) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,535 ($2,214–$11,070) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,661 ($886–$3,321) |
| Will Preparation |
$554 ($221–$1,107) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,768 ($1,107–$5,535) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Women's Haircut |
$61 ($33–$111) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$166 ($83–$277) |
| Manicure |
$28 ($17–$50) |
| Pedicure |
$44 ($28–$72) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$89 ($55–$144) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.54 ($3.32–$6.09) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.87 ($2.77–$5.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.21 ($2.77–$6.09) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.98 ($3.32–$7.20) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$6.09 ($4.43–$8.30) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.11 ($0.66–$1.99) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$155 ($89–$277) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$166) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$133) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$77 ($44–$111) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$72 ($33–$111) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$94 ($55–$166) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$221 ($83–$554) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,214 ($1,328–$3,875) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$77 ($33–$144) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$17 ($8.86–$28) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$111 ($33–$277) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$33 ($17–$83) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,328 ($664–$2,768) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,107 ($554–$2,214) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$443 ($221–$775) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$55 ($28–$111) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,107 ($443–$2,768) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,838 ($5,535–$33,210) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$111 ($55–$221) |
| Dog Grooming |
$66 ($33–$111) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$44 ($22–$83) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$332 ($166–$554) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$221 ($111–$443) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,586 |
| Toddler | $1,003 |
| Preschool | $830 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,094 |
| Toddler | $952 |
| Preschool | $884 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benbow
What is the population of Benbow?
Benbow has a population of 401 residents and is located in California. The population density is 82 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.0 years. The population is 48.6% female and 51.4% male.
Is Benbow expensive to live in?
Benbow is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 110.7 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median home value is $336,500 (19% above the U.S. median).
Is Benbow safe?
The violent crime rate in Benbow is 566 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,697 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Benbow receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benbow?
Benbow enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 44°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. The area receives 269 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 65.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 48.
How is the job market in Benbow?
The unemployment rate in Benbow is 7.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,062. There are 7,685 business establishments in the area, including 393 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Benbow?
The median home value in Benbow is $336,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $339,259. The homeownership rate is 58.7%. The average annual property tax is $4,760.
How are the schools in Benbow?
Schools in Benbow have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 3.9% of adults in Benbow hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benbow?
The obesity rate in Benbow is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.8% of adults are smokers. 27.6% are physically inactive. 27.7% of residents report depression. 9.9% lack health insurance. 88.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,642.
What are the demographics of Benbow?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benbow is 95.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 0.0% of the population are military veterans. 15.0% of residents have a disability. 84.3% have health insurance coverage.
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