Median Income
$51,124
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$146,100
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
29.9%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$939
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.8%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.7%
53% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Benson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,449
Median Age40.9 yrs
Density1,085/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans4.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$51,124
Per Capita$32,647
Unemployment1.7%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$800M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$146,100
Rent$939
Ownership62.9%
Zillow$179,367
Housing Units1,578
Rent Burden31.5%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary0/100K
Health
Obesity39.8%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking18.0%
Depression28.0%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain28.1 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,043 ft (318 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+29.9%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score5.90
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 32%
Commute20 min
Broadband87.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Benson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benson receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Benson stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benson is $51,124, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.7%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benson is $146,100, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $939 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Benson 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
29.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Benson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.1 inches, including 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Benson has a population of 3,449 with a density of 1,085 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age is 40.9 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.8% female and 50.2% male. The city is predominantly White (92.8%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 4.0% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.9yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Benson is $51,124, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,647 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,075, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,124 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,647 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,075 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,799 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.7% |
| 53% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $800M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 20 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,890 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.98% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
The median home value in Benson is $146,100, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,367, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $939 (19% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 62.9% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,578 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1956. The average annual property tax is $2,890 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 31.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $146,100 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $179,367 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $939 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 62.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 62.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 37.1% |
| Housing Units | 1,578 |
| Median Year Built | 1956 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,890 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.98% |
In Benson, 39.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.6% report binge drinking. 26.1% are physically inactive. 28.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,437. The dentist ratio is 1:2,439. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.8% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.1% |
| Depression | 28.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.1% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,437 |
| Dentists | 1:2,439 |
| Mental Health | 1:884 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.5% |
| Dental Visits | 60.4% |
| Premature Death | 7,978/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Benson 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. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Benson 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
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 80 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Benson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July / a wide seasonal temperature swing of 61°F. The area gets 276 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 28.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 42.6 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,043 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 43.7°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,043 ft (318 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,085/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.3152°N, 95.6054°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Swift County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Minnesota Regional Marshall/Ryan Field (MML)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.1"
26% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.27"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 49.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 94.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.1. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Jun 5, 1993 |
11 km N of Johnson, Minnesota |
M4.1 |
67 km |
| Oct 20, 1995 |
8 km SSE of New Effington, South Dakota |
M3.7 |
111 km |
| Feb 9, 1994 |
6 km NNE of Blomkest, Minnesota |
M3.1 |
59 km |
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
75 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 129 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 8, 2020 |
EF4 |
90 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jul 25, 2000 |
EF4 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1996 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1964 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 11, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2009 |
EF2 |
12 km |
0 |
| Sep 23, 2004 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2001 |
EF2 |
1 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: LOUISBURGRADE (6,487 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
LOUISBURGRADE |
6,487 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
CHIPPEWA PRAIRIE |
2,067 |
37 km |
| 2004 |
FISH FIRE |
1,799 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
GRAND MEWS |
1,245 |
59 km |
| 1998 |
LEE |
1,137 |
61 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,115 |
60 km |
| 2003 |
ANDERSON |
1,082 |
57 km |
| 1998 |
ANDREASEN |
1,001 |
56 km |
| 1990 |
ANDERSON |
988 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
ANDERSON |
797 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
ANDERSON |
764 |
59 km |
| 1986 |
ANDERSON |
746 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
FISH |
720 |
57 km |
| 2010 |
WALDEN |
717 |
26 km |
| 2007 |
LEE |
689 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
SVOR |
661 |
12 km |
| 2006 |
MOSQUITO RANCH |
656 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
ASHLEY N |
588 |
56 km |
| 2003 |
LEE |
560 |
62 km |
| 1994 |
ARTICHOKE |
556 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| October |
47°F (9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Benson has a seasonal temperature swing of 61°F / from 11°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 15.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.3") and May the driest (0.6").
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) |
$247 ($148–$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197–$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99–$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789–$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74–$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148–$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25–$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49–$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394–$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99–$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59–$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49–$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148–$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944–$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394–$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423–$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493–$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930–$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972–$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789–$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197–$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986–$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30–$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74–$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25–$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49–$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96–$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47–$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47–$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96–$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94–$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59–$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79–$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39–$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30–$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49–$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74–$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183–$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30–$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30–$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592–$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493–$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197–$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25–$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394–$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930–$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49–$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30–$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148–$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99–$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $758 |
| Toddler | $697 |
| Preschool | $637 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $556 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $563 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benson
What is the population of Benson?
Benson has a population of 3,449 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 1,085 people per square mile, spread across 3.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.9 years. The population is 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
Is Benson expensive to live in?
Benson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $51,124, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $146,100 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $939 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benson safe?
Benson 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 Benson?
Benson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.1 inches, with 42.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Benson?
The job market in Benson is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,075. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benson?
The median home value in Benson is $146,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $179,367. For renters, the median monthly rent is $939. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 62.9%. The average annual property tax is $2,890.
How are the schools in Benson?
Schools in Benson score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 29.9% of adults in Benson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benson?
The obesity rate in Benson is 39.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 26.1% are physically inactive. 28.0% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 58.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,437.
What is transportation like in Benson?
The average commute in Benson is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benson is 92.8% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 4.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.5% of residents have a disability. 97.1% have health insurance coverage.
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