Median Income
$29,652
61% lower than US avg
Home Value
$75,500
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,939/100K
410% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.8%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$775
33% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
56.0%
74% higher than US avg
Unemployment
12.7%
253% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
42.3%
241% higher than US avg
How Benton Harbor Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,023
Median Age33.2 yrs
Density2,055/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 10%
Veterans3.2%
Economy
F
Median Income$29,652
Per Capita$19,108
Unemployment12.7%
Poverty42.3%
County GDP$3,313M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$75,500
Rent$775
Ownership36.5%
Zillow$148,189
Housing Units4,517
Rent Burden40.3%
Crime
F
Violent1,939/100K
Property3,265/100K
Murder30.6/100K
Assault1,530/100K
Burglary745/100K
Health
Obesity56.0%
Uninsured14.6%
Smoking27.9%
Depression25.4%
Heart Disease9.3%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation622 ft (190 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.8%
High School+80.7%
Graduate+2.8%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute18 min
Broadband77.1%
EV Stations5
Libraries11
Is Benton Harbor a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton Harbor receives an overall livability score of 2.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Benton Harbor has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benton Harbor is $29,652, 61% below the national average of $75,149. At 12.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 42.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $75,500, 73% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,939 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,265 per 100,000, 67% above the national average.
Education
7.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Benton Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Benton Harbor has a population of 9,023 with a density of 2,055 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age is 33.2 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.4% female and 46.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (80.3%), with 10.4% White, 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.1% of residents. 3.2% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.2yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Benton Harbor vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.1%
21% above US avg
Spanish
4.9%
63% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Benton Harbor vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Benton Harbor is $29,652, which is 61% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $19,108 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 12.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 42.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,643 business establishments, including 164 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Benton Harbor vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $29,652 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $19,108 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 12.7% |
| 253% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 42.3% |
| 241% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,643 |
| County GDP | $3,313M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 164 |
| Healthcare | 123 |
| Retail | 254 |
| Manufacturing | 94 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.28% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.2% |
| Public Transit | 1.2% |
| Work from Home | 7.6% |
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $75,500, 73% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,189, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.7% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $775 (33% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 36.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,517 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,255 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 40.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $75,500 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,189 |
| Median List Price | $89,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $89,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $108 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.7% |
| Price Drops | 23.1% |
| Inventory | 39 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $775 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,450 |
| Rent Burden | 40.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 36.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 36.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 63.5% |
| Housing Units | 4,517 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.28% |
In Benton Harbor, 56.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 22.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.3% of residents, above the national average. 51.0% have high blood pressure. 27.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.5% report binge drinking. 46.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,911. 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benton Harbor vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 56.0% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 22.6% |
| Heart Disease | 9.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 51.0% |
| Asthma | 15.7% |
| COPD | 13.7% |
| Cancer | 4.8% |
| Stroke | 7.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.9% |
| 99% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.5% |
| Depression | 25.4% |
| Mental Distress | 24.6% |
| Physical Distress | 21.2% |
| Short Sleep | 53.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.6% |
| Uninsured | 14.6% |
| 70% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:653 |
| Checkup Rate | 81.3% |
| Dental Visits | 41.3% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
Benton Harbor has a violent crime rate of 1,939 per 100,000 residents, 410% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 1,530.5 per 100,000, robbery at 193.9, rape at 183.7. The murder rate is 30.6 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 3,265 per 100,000, 67% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 2,020, burglary at 745, vehicle theft at 500 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Benton Harbor receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benton Harbor vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,938.6/100K |
| 410% above US avg |
| Murder | 30.6/100K |
| 386% above US avg |
| Rape | 183.7/100K |
| Robbery | 193.9/100K |
| Assault | 1,530.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,265.0/100K |
| 67% above US avg |
| Burglary | 744.8/100K |
| Theft | 2,020.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 500.0/100K |
| Arson | 10.2/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 565 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benton Harbor experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches. The area receives 77.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 622 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 622 ft (190 m) |
| Area | 4.7 sq mi (12.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,055/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1135°N, 86.4473°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH) 2 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.2"
0% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 60.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 48.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 92.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
85 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
116 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
99 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
310 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 109 fatalities, 1,319 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
63 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
83 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
36 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
63 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
86 km |
10 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1956 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 3.0 m (10 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1954 |
MICHIGAN CITY, IN (LAKE MICHIGAN) |
Avalanche |
3.0 m |
7 |
58 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
61 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
84 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
3.1 in |
|
Benton Harbor has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.5 inches, with September being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Benton Harbor. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $532 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $693 |
| Toddler | $710 |
| Preschool | $710 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton Harbor
What is the population of Benton Harbor?
Benton Harbor has a population of 9,023 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,055 people per square mile, spread across 4.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.4% female and 46.6% male.
Is Benton Harbor expensive to live in?
Benton Harbor has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $29,652, 61% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $75,500 (73% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $775 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benton Harbor safe?
Public safety is a concern in Benton Harbor, with a violent crime rate of 1,939 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,265 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Benton Harbor receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benton Harbor?
Benton Harbor has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 77.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Benton Harbor?
The job market in Benton Harbor faces challenges, with unemployment at 12.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $986. There are 1,643 business establishments in the area, including 164 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton Harbor?
The median home value in Benton Harbor is $75,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,189. For renters, the median monthly rent is $775. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 36.5%. The average annual property tax is $6,255.
How are the schools in Benton Harbor?
Schools in Benton Harbor score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 7.8% of adults in Benton Harbor hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.7% have completed high school. 2.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton Harbor?
The obesity rate in Benton Harbor is 56.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.9% of adults are smokers. 46.5% are physically inactive. 25.4% of residents report depression. 14.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 59.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in Benton Harbor?
The average commute in Benton Harbor is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.2% of workers drive alone to work, 1.2% use public transit, and 7.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton Harbor?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton Harbor is 10.4% White, 80.3% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.9% speak Spanish. 3.2% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 92.6% have health insurance coverage.