Median Income
$74,886
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,200
58% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.0%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$975
16% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.5%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
77% lower than US avg
How Benson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population482
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density3,013/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans12.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$74,886
Per Capita$39,257
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty2.8%
County GDP$1,783M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,200
Rent$975
Ownership96.1%
Zillow$167,528
Housing Units186
Rent Burden23.1%
Health
Obesity38.5%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking14.9%
Depression24.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (11°C)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Elevation764 ft (233 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.0%
High School+96.0%
Graduate+2.7%
School Score6.65
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute25 min
Broadband89.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Benson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benson receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Benson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benson is $74,886, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benson is $118,200, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
13.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Benson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 27.9 inches of snow.
Benson has a population of 482 with a density of 3,013 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (97.7%), with 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.9% of residents. 12.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
482
Total Population
2023 Census
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.9%
25% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Benson is $74,886, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,257. The average weekly wage is $1,058, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 803 business establishments, including 56 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $74,886 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,257 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,058 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $97,599 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.8% |
| 77% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 803 |
| County GDP | $1,783M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 56 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,738 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Benson is $118,200, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,528, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $975 (16% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 186 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $6,738 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,200 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,528 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $975 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.9% |
| Housing Units | 186 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,738 |
| 93% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.70% |
In Benson, 38.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 14.9% are current smokers. 21.2% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 24.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,249. The dentist ratio is 1:5,447. 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.5% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.9% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 24.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.6% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,249 |
| Dentists | 1:5,447 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,252 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 63.6% |
| Premature Death | 5,803/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Benson experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 27.9 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 764 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.2°F |
| 5% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 764 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 3,013/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.8507°N, 89.1211°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Woodford County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Il Regional/Bloomington-Normal (BMI)
28 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.42"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
70 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
135 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
100 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
95 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
704 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 748 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
45 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1977 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
46 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
99 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
100 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Benson has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Benson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150-$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200-$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100-$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800-$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75-$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150-$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25-$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50-$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400-$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100-$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60-$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50-$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150-$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000-$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400-$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500-$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500-$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000-$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000-$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800-$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200-$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000-$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30-$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75-$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25-$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50-$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00-$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50-$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50-$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00-$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00-$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60-$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80-$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40-$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30-$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50-$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75-$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200-$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30-$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30-$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600-$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500-$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200-$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25-$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400-$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000-$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50-$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30-$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20-$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150-$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100-$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,157 |
| Toddler | $989 |
| Preschool | $954 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $638 |
| Toddler | $654 |
| Preschool | $671 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benson
What is the population of Benson?
Benson has a population of 482 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 3,013 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Benson expensive to live in?
Benson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $74,886, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,200 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $975 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Benson?
Benson has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 27.9 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Benson?
The job market in Benson is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,058. There are 803 business establishments in the area, including 56 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benson?
The median home value in Benson is $118,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,528. For renters, the median monthly rent is $975. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 96.1%. The average annual property tax is $6,738.
How are the schools in Benson?
Schools in Benson score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.0% of adults in Benson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 96.0% have completed high school. 2.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benson?
The obesity rate in Benson is 38.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.9% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 24.0% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,249.
What is transportation like in Benson?
The average commute in Benson is 25 minutes. 87.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benson is 97.7% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 12.6% of the population are military veterans. 8.5% of residents have a disability. 93.6% have health insurance coverage.