Median Income
$52,581
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$262,800
7% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.9%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,159
0% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.3%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.9%
36% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.5%
56% lower than US avg
How Benton City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,559
Median Age27.1 yrs
Density1,429/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 63%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$52,581
Per Capita$24,396
Unemployment4.9%
Poverty5.5%
County GDP$16,919M
Commute27 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$262,800
Rent$1,159
Ownership72.5%
Zillow$431,958
Housing Units1,353
Rent Burden38.0%
Health
Obesity41.3%
Uninsured9.1%
Smoking14.8%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI34 (Good)
Rain7.3 in/yr
Elevation466 ft (142 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.9%
High School+84.1%
Graduate+2.0%
School Score5.45
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 38%
Commute27 min
Broadband85.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Benton City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton City receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Benton City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benton City is $52,581, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.9%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 5.5% 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 Benton City is $262,800, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,159 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
8.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Benton City experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 7.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34.
Benton City has a population of 3,559 with a density of 1,429 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age is 27.1 years, 30% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.9% female and 51.1% male. The city is predominantly White (63.1%), with 37.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 75% of residents, while 30.9% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
3,559
Total Population
2023 Census
27.1yrs
Median Age
30% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Benton City vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
75.0%
4% below US avg
Spanish
30.9%
131% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Benton City vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Benton City is $52,581, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,396 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,362. The unemployment rate is 4.9% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,416 business establishments, including 479 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Benton City vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,581 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,396 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,362 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $87,174 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.9% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.5% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,416 |
| County GDP | $16,919M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 479 |
| Healthcare | 684 |
| Retail | 596 |
| Manufacturing | 164 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,091 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.94% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Benton City is $262,800, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $431,958, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $547,380 with homes selling in an average of 221 days. Homes sell for 104.3% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,159 (0% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,268 for a one-bedroom to $1,538 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,353 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $5,091 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $262,800 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $431,958 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $547,380 |
| Median List Price | $384,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $547,380 |
| Median List Price | $384,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $265 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Days on Market | 221 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 104.3% |
| Price Drops | 36.4% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,159 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,122 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,268 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,538 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,071 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,385 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,353 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,091 |
| 45% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.94% |
In Benton City, 41.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 16.5% report binge drinking. 26.9% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,419. The dentist ratio is 1:1,400. 75.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benton City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.3% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 11.9% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.1% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.9% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 16.8% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.9% |
| Uninsured | 9.1% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,419 |
| Dentists | 1:1,400 |
| Mental Health | 1:258 |
| Checkup Rate | 68.8% |
| Dental Visits | 55.5% |
| Premature Death | 7,204/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 684 |
Benton City experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 35°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 7.3 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.0 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 34. 82% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 466 feet.
Temperature
35°F Jan (2°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 53.6°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 35°F (2°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 466 ft (142 m) |
| Area | 2.5 sq mi (6.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,429/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2637°N, 119.4790°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Benton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Tri-Cities (PSC)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
7.3"
81% below US avg
Wettest Month (Dec)
1.07"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 34.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.7% |
| Unhealthy Days | 3 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 87.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
219 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 20, 2025.
| Nov 28, 1991 |
7 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.3 |
95 km |
| Feb 18, 2015 |
15 km ENE of Cle Elum, Washington |
M4.2 |
146 km |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
30 km S of White Swan, Washington |
M4.2 |
99 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
6 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Jul 14, 1992 |
6 km S of Walla Walla East, Washington |
M4.1 |
95 km |
| Oct 9, 1998 |
20 km S of White Swan, Washington |
M4.0 |
95 km |
| Mar 22, 1997 |
10 km ESE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
127 km |
| Aug 7, 1992 |
8 km WSW of Irrigon, Oregon |
M3.9 |
46 km |
| Nov 18, 1997 |
20 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.9 |
78 km |
| Mar 29, 2010 |
10 km NE of Cliffdell, Washington |
M3.8 |
140 km |
| Sep 4, 2011 |
14 km N of Richland, Washington |
M3.7 |
24 km |
| Jan 1, 1997 |
14 km NNE of Selah, Washington |
M3.7 |
94 km |
| May 18, 2008 |
11 km SSW of Benton City, Washington |
M3.7 |
12 km |
| Feb 1, 2000 |
7 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.6 |
129 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
3 km N of Cayuse, Oregon |
M3.5 |
95 km |
| Jun 29, 2005 |
0 km SE of Gleed, Washington |
M3.5 |
97 km |
| Aug 31, 1999 |
Washington-Oregon border region |
M3.5 |
129 km |
| Oct 26, 1992 |
12 km N of Naches, Washington |
M3.5 |
114 km |
| Oct 12, 2017 |
25 km NW of Bickleton, Washington |
M3.4 |
83 km |
| Jan 30, 2000 |
8 km SE of Condon, Oregon |
M3.4 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
33 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 26, 1958 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1957 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2009 |
EF1 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2006 |
EF1 |
51 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1985 |
EF1 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1983 |
EF1 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jul 1, 1978 |
EF1 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2024 |
EF0 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2024 |
EF0 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 2023 |
EF0 |
98 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2020 |
EF0 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2016 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2014 |
EF0 |
25 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2011 |
EF0 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 2008 |
EF0 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 9, 2005 |
EF0 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 2005 |
EF0 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 2004 |
EF0 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2004 |
EF0 |
59 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Nearby Volcanoes
4 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: Adams (155 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| Adams |
Stratovolcano |
3,742 m (12,277 ft) |
950 |
155 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
184 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
186 km |
| Hood |
Stratovolcano |
3,426 m (11,240 ft) |
1866 |
198 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RANGE 12 (167,604 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RANGE 12 |
167,604 |
40 km |
| 2000 |
24 COMMAND |
162,300 |
21 km |
| 1984 |
HANFORD |
122,914 |
19 km |
| 2000 |
MULE DRY |
90,184 |
59 km |
| 2007 |
WAUTOMA |
77,956 |
29 km |
| 1996 |
COLD CREEK |
72,859 |
64 km |
| 2018 |
BOYLSTON |
66,292 |
81 km |
| 2023 |
NEWELL ROAD |
61,833 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
BIG HORN |
51,023 |
65 km |
| 2009 |
DRY CREEK COMPLEX |
49,843 |
43 km |
| 2008 |
COAL PLANT |
45,801 |
66 km |
| 2019 |
COLD CREEK |
43,756 |
27 km |
| 2015 |
HIGHWAY 8 |
35,296 |
75 km |
| 2003 |
UMTANUM RIDGE |
34,351 |
65 km |
| 2017 |
SILVER DOLLAR |
30,789 |
41 km |
| 2022 |
VANTAGE HIGHWAY |
29,299 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
HORSE HEAVEN COMPLEX (SIX PRONG) |
28,225 |
67 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
27,815 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
27,736 |
69 km |
| 2017 |
400 |
27,218 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
35°F (2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| February |
39°F (4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
46°F (8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| June |
67°F (20°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
0.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
0.1 in |
Driest |
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
0.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
0.5 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
Benton City has a seasonal temperature swing of 41°F / from 34°F in December to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 7.3 inches, with December being the wettest month (1.1") and August the driest (0.1").
Average costs for common services in Benton City. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$268 ($161-$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214-$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107-$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856-$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80-$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161-$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27-$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54-$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428-$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107-$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64-$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54-$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161-$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280-$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428-$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885-$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535-$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350-$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140-$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856-$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214-$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070-$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32-$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80-$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27-$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54-$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21-$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68-$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68-$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21-$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28-$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64-$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86-$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32-$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54-$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80-$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284-$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56-$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32-$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642-$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535-$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214-$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27-$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428-$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350-$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54-$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107-$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,171 |
| Toddler | $899 |
| Preschool | $899 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $857 |
| Toddler | $865 |
| Preschool | $865 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton City
What is the population of Benton City?
Benton City has a population of 3,559 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 1,429 people per square mile, spread across 2.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.1 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.9% female and 51.1% male.
Is Benton City expensive to live in?
Benton City is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $52,581, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $262,800 (7% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,159 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Benton City?
Benton City has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 35°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 7.3 inches, with 2.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 34.
How is the job market in Benton City?
Benton City has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.9%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,362. There are 5,416 business establishments in the area, including 479 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton City?
The median home value in Benton City is $262,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $431,958. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $547,380, with homes typically selling within 221 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,159. Fair market rent is $1,268 for a 1-bedroom and $1,538 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,091.
How are the schools in Benton City?
Schools in Benton City score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.9% of adults in Benton City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 84.1% have completed high school. 2.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton City?
The obesity rate in Benton City is 41.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 26.9% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 9.1% lack health insurance. 75.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,419.
What is transportation like in Benton City?
The average commute in Benton City is 27 minutes. 78.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton City is 63.1% White, 37.1% Hispanic or Latino. 75% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.9% speak Spanish. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.7% of residents have a disability. 90.9% have health insurance coverage.