At a Glance
Median Income
$65,614
$26,918 per capita
Home Value
$176,000
Zillow: $316,859
Median Rent
$978/mo
30.6% of income on rent
Violent Crime
749/100K
2,818/100K property
Bachelor's Degree+
20.8%
82.2% high school+
Unemployment
9.8%
26.6% poverty rate
Obesity Rate
38.3%
17.7% smoking rate
How Benson Compares to the U.S. Average
Each bar shows Benson's value as a percentage of the national average (100% = U.S. avg)
Thin vertical line = U.S. national average (100%)
Is Benson a Good Place to Live?
C+
2.7 / 5.0 - Fair
Based on economy, affordability, safety, and education metrics compared to national averages.
Economy & Jobs
Benson residents earn a median household income of $65,614 , which is 13% below the national average of $75,149.
Per capita income is $26,918. The unemployment rate stands at 9.8% (172% above the U.S. rate of 3.6%). 26.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area is home to 5,104 business establishments, including 352 restaurants.
Housing & Cost of Living
The median home value in Benson is $176,000 , 38% below the national median of $281,900.
Zillow estimates the typical home at $316,859. Median rent is $978/month, with 30.6% of renters spending more than 30% of income on housing. The cost of living index is 94.3 (100 = national average). The median home was built in 1976.
Safety & Crime
Benson reports 749 violent crimes per 100,000 residents
, which is 97% above the national average of 380/100K.
Property crime is 2,818/100K.
Education
20.8% of adults in Benson hold a bachelor's degree or higher
(38% below the national average).
82.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 5.8/10 in standardized testing.
Climate & Weather
Benson has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C).
Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 50.1 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Data Overview
People
Population4,144
Median Age35.0 yrs
Density1,386/mi²
Male / Female44% / 57%
Foreign Born8.9%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
C
Median Income$65,614
Per Capita$26,918
Unemployment9.8%
Poverty26.6%
County GDP$11,573M
Avg Weekly Wage$1,064
Housing
A+
Home Value$176,000
Rent$978
Ownership52.8%
Zillow$316,859
Housing Units1,841
Rent Burden30.6%
Crime
F
Violent749/100K
Property2,818/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Diabetes12.6%
Smoking17.7%
Heart Disease6.3%
Premature Death8,163/100K
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
Rain50.1 in/yr
AQI43 (Good)
Elevation223 ft
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.8%
High School+82.2%
Graduate+4.0%
School Score5.8/10
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute24 min
Broadband84.4%
Internet Speed150 Mbps
EV Stations2
Libraries7
Did You Know?
Benson was founded in 1874.
The median home in Benson was built in 1976.
15.7% work from home.
The nearest airport is Fayetteville Regional/Grannis Field (33 miles).
The Gini coefficient (income inequality) is 0.421 (U.S. avg: 0.490).
Natural hazard risk is rated "Relatively Moderate" by FEMA.
11.6% of the population has a disability.
Average internet download speed is 150 Mbps.
There are 352 restaurants in the area.
The county recorded 35 fatal vehicle crashes.