Median Income
$33,214
56% lower than US avg
Home Value
$164,100
42% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
1.6%
95% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,094
6% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.4%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.9%
64% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Benson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population191
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density49/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Economy
B
Median Income$33,214
Per Capita$22,494
Unemployment5.9%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$3,787M
Commute27 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$164,100
Rent$1,094
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$292,209
Health
Obesity34.4%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.5%
Heart Disease4.8%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F
AQI31 (Good)
Rain42.6 in/yr
Elevation358 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+1.6%
High School+84.3%
School Score6.02
Community
2024 VoteR 46% / D 51%
Commute27 min
Libraries21
Is Benson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benson receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes. Benson has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benson is $33,214, 56% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.9% 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%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benson is $164,100, 42% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,094 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 4.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
1.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Benson experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Benson has a population of 191 with a density of 49 people per square mile. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (97.4%), with 2.6% Black.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below 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 Benson is $33,214, which is 56% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,214 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,494 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,130 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,049 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.9% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,662 |
| County GDP | $3,787M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 191 |
| Retail | 344 |
| Manufacturing | 92 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,886 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Work from Home | 10.9% |
The median home value in Benson is $164,100, 42% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,094 (6% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $292,209.
Home Values
| Census Median | $164,100 |
| 42% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $292,209 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,094 |
| 6% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,124 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,203 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,487 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,922 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,111 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,886 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.20% |
In Benson, 34.4% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 27.5% report depression. 19.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Benson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.4% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.1% |
| Heart Disease | 4.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.1% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 27.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 73.5% |
| Premature Death | 9,134/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 191 |
Crime Rates: Benson vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
Safety Score
Benson has an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Annual precipitation is 42.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 31.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.9°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 42.6 inches |
| 12% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 31.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 358 ft (109 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 49/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.7101°N, 73.3030°W |
| County FIPS | 50021 |