Median Income
$33,871
55% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,500
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
2,526/100K
565% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.4%
66% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$546
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
53.2%
66% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.4%
6% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
32.8%
165% higher than US avg
How Benton Heights Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,572
Median Age30.6 yrs
Density925/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 20%
Veterans6.0%
Economy
C
Median Income$33,871
Per Capita$17,217
Unemployment3.4%
Poverty32.8%
County GDP$3,313M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,500
Rent$546
Ownership47.4%
Zillow$148,189
Housing Units1,484
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent2,526/100K
Property5,382/100K
Health
Obesity53.2%
Uninsured17.9%
Smoking29.1%
Depression27.2%
Heart Disease9.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation648 ft (198 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.4%
High School+77.3%
Graduate+6.3%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 57% / D 42%
Commute15 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations5
Libraries11
Is Benton Heights a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton Heights receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Benton Heights has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benton Heights is $33,871, 55% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.4%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 32.8% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton Heights is $87,500, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $546 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 2,526 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 5,382 per 100,000, 175% above the national average.
Education
11.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Benton Heights 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 Heights has a population of 3,572 with a density of 925 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 30.6 years, 21% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.7% female and 50.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (51.7%), with 19.9% White, 12.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 79.3% of residents, while 20.7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.6yrs
Median Age
21% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Benton Heights vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
79.3%
1% above US avg
Spanish
20.7%
54% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Benton Heights vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Benton Heights is $33,871, which is 55% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,217 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $986, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 32.8% 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 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Benton Heights vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $33,871 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,217 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $986 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,208 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.4% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 32.8% |
| 165% 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 | 7.15% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 14.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.9% |
The median home value in Benton Heights is $87,500, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,189, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $546 (53% 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. 47.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,484 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). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,500 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $148,189 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $546 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 47.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,484 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,255 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.15% |
In Benton Heights, 53.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 21.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.8% of residents, above the national average. 47.8% have high blood pressure. 29.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.9% report binge drinking. 46.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 24.7% experience frequent mental distress. 17.9% 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 Heights vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 53.2% |
| 66% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 21.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 47.8% |
| Asthma | 15.0% |
| COPD | 15.1% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 6.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 29.1% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.5% |
| Depression | 27.2% |
| Mental Distress | 24.7% |
| Physical Distress | 22.4% |
| Short Sleep | 50.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 86.1% |
| Uninsured | 17.9% |
| 108% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,911 |
| Mental Health | 1:653 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Dental Visits | 41.2% |
| Premature Death | 9,267/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 59.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 123 |
Benton Heights has a violent crime rate of 2,526 per 100,000 residents, 565% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 5,382 per 100,000, 175% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Benton Heights receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benton Heights vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 2,526.5/100K |
| 565% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 5,382.5/100K |
| 175% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benton Heights 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 648 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 | 648 ft (198 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 925/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.1222°N, 86.4151°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Van Buren County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Michigan Regional (BEH)
1 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 |
82 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
98 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
311 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 109 fatalities, 1,324 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
61 km |
17 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
73 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
63 km |
36 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
61 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
10 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1962 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 7, 2024 |
EF2 |
77 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 |
61 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 |
59 km |
| 1986 |
OGDEN DUNS |
863 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
21-INDU TOLLESTON DUNES EAST |
594 |
87 km |
| 2017 |
17 INDU COWLES DUNES |
522 |
78 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 Heights 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 Heights. 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 Heights
What is the population of Benton Heights?
Benton Heights has a population of 3,572 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 925 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.7% female and 50.3% male.
Is Benton Heights expensive to live in?
Benton Heights 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 $33,871, 55% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,500 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $546 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benton Heights safe?
Public safety is a concern in Benton Heights, with a violent crime rate of 2,526 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 5,382 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Benton Heights receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benton Heights?
Benton Heights 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 Heights?
Benton Heights has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.4%, near the national average 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 15 minutes, and 4.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton Heights?
The median home value in Benton Heights is $87,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $148,189. For renters, the median monthly rent is $546. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,255.
How are the schools in Benton Heights?
Schools in Benton Heights score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 11.4% of adults in Benton Heights hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 77.3% have completed high school. 6.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton Heights?
The obesity rate in Benton Heights is 53.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 29.1% of adults are smokers. 46.5% are physically inactive. 27.2% of residents report depression. 17.9% 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 Heights?
The average commute in Benton Heights is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton Heights?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton Heights is 19.9% White, 51.7% Black or African American, 12.2% Hispanic or Latino. 79.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 20.7% speak Spanish. 6.0% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 86.1% have health insurance coverage.
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