Median Income
$52,652
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$54,500
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$723
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.0%
3% lower than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
52% lower than US avg
How Benham Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population628
Median Age45.0 yrs
Density2,730/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,652
Per Capita$23,311
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty5.9%
Commute12 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$54,500
Rent$723
Ownership93.0%
Zillow$54,823
Housing Units311
Rent Burden13.7%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.0 in/yr
Sunny Days299/yr
Elevation1,570 ft (479 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+78.6%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute12 min
Broadband94.5%
EV Stations2
Is Benham a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benham receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Benham offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benham is $52,652, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benham is $54,500, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Benham is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Benham experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 299 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.0 inches, including 9.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Benham has a population of 628 with a density of 2,730 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 45.0 years, 16% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49% female and 51% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%), with 1.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 32.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.0yrs
Median Age
16% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
The median household income in Benham is $52,652, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,311 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $879, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 231 business establishments, including 30 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.2, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,652 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,311 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,964 |
| Gini Index | 0.524 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.9% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 231 |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 30 |
| Healthcare | 49 |
| Retail | 37 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.20 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 11.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 52.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 13.6% |
The median home value in Benham is $54,500, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $54,823. Monthly rent averages $723 (38% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $794 for a one-bedroom to $984 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 311 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 13.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $54,500 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $54,823 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $723 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 13.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $719 |
| 1 Bedroom | $794 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $984 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,277 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,442 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.0% |
| Housing Units | 311 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Benham, 31.0% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,222. The dentist ratio is 1:722. 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benham vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.0% |
| 3% below US avg |
Behaviors & Mental Health
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,222 |
| Dentists | 1:722 |
| Mental Health | 1:205 |
| Dental Visits | 51.4% |
| Premature Death | 21,701/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 92.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 49 |
Benham has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 0, burglary at 0, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents.
Crime Rates: Benham vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Burglary | 0.0/100K |
| Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Benham experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 34°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 299 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 56.0 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 1,570 feet.
Temperature
34°F Jan (1°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 34°F (1°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 299 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,570 ft (479 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,730/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.9642°N, 82.9518°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Norton city County |
| Nearest Airport | Lake Cumberland Regional (SME) 92 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.0"
47% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.84"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 1.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
No Rating |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
84 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 19, 2025.
| Nov 10, 2012 |
6 km W of Blackey, Kentucky |
M4.2 |
21 km |
| Aug 17, 1990 |
9 km NNW of Loyall, Kentucky |
M4.0 |
39 km |
| Jul 30, 1997 |
6 km NNE of Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
73 km |
| Jan 20, 2020 |
2 km NE of Fincastle, Tennessee |
M3.8 |
113 km |
| Sep 17, 2004 |
8 km ESE of Corbin, Kentucky |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| Feb 12, 1994 |
10 km NNW of Abingdon, Virginia |
M3.4 |
87 km |
| Jun 26, 1995 |
6 km NNW of Trout Dale, Virginia |
M3.4 |
133 km |
| Mar 5, 2019 |
7 km NE of Maynardville, Tennessee |
M3.4 |
102 km |
| Nov 8, 1990 |
5 km SW of Blackey, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
18 km |
| Jan 27, 2009 |
4 km NE of Williamsburg, Kentucky |
M3.2 |
107 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km S of New Market, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
120 km |
| Jul 26, 2001 |
11 km N of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
123 km |
| Jan 17, 1999 |
7 km NNW of Flat Lick, Kentucky |
M3.1 |
76 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
10 km WSW of Bean Station, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
84 km |
| Apr 13, 2001 |
11 km W of Sneedville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
60 km |
| Jul 7, 1995 |
3 km NW of Mountain City, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
113 km |
| Nov 24, 2012 |
7 km NE of Sevierville, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
126 km |
| Jan 1, 1993 |
4 km SSW of Spruce Pine, North Carolina |
M3.0 |
144 km |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
7 km SW of New Tazewell, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
89 km |
| Apr 5, 2005 |
1 km SE of Blaine, Tennessee |
M2.9 |
113 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
114 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 12 fatalities, 237 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
87 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
3 |
| May 9, 1988 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 18, 1995 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jul 6, 1980 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1967 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1967 |
EF2 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 3, 1962 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1955 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Sep 24, 2024 |
EF1 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2023 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (66,345 ac, 1987).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,345 |
57 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
66,145 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
38,312 |
98 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
32,565 |
79 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
22,282 |
87 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
20,994 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
18,013 |
57 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,759 |
58 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
17,406 |
42 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
17,328 |
41 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
15,526 |
46 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
15,138 |
12 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
14,264 |
94 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
13,124 |
72 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
11,817 |
76 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
11,117 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
10,990 |
56 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
10,817 |
85 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
9,572 |
51 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
9,384 |
77 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
34°F (1°C) |
3.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
Wettest |
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Benham has a seasonal temperature swing of 40°F / from 34°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.9 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.8") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Benham. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$226 ($135–$361) |
| Specialist Visit |
$316 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$316) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,984 ($722–$4,510) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$226 ($135–$361) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($361–$902) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$316) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$361 ($135–$722) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,314 ($3,608–$10,824) |
| Roof Repair |
$902 ($361–$1,804) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,118 ($4,961–$13,530) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,353 ($451–$3,157) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,530 ($4,510–$27,060) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,510 ($1,804–$9,020) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,353 ($722–$2,706) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$902) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,255 ($902–$4,510) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$226) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.70 ($2.71–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.16 ($2.26–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.43 ($2.26–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.06 ($2.71–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.61–$6.77) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$226) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,804 ($1,082–$3,157) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.22–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$226) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,082 ($541–$2,255) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$902 ($451–$1,804) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$361 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$902 ($361–$2,255) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,275 ($4,510–$27,060) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$271 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$361) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $513 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $520 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $403 |
| Toddler | $390 |
| Preschool | $390 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benham
What is the population of Benham?
Benham has a population of 628 residents and is located in Kentucky. The population density is 2,730 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49% female and 51% male.
Is Benham expensive to live in?
Benham is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.2 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,652, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $54,500 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $723 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benham safe?
Benham is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Benham?
Benham has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 34°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 299 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.0 inches, with 9.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Benham?
Benham has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $879. There are 231 business establishments in the area, including 30 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 12 minutes, and 13.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benham?
The median home value in Benham is $54,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $54,823. For renters, the median monthly rent is $723. Fair market rent is $794 for a 1-bedroom and $984 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.0%.
How are the schools in Benham?
Schools in Benham score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Benham hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.6% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benham?
The obesity rate in Benham is 31.0% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 92.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,222.
What is transportation like in Benham?
The average commute in Benham is 12 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 52.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benham?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benham is 89.8% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 32.1% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.