Median Income
$46,250
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
266/100K
30% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.3%
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population23
Median Age54.9 yrs
Density30/mi²
Male / Female57% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 100%
Veterans21.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$46,250
Per Capita$24,939
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$234M
Commute19 min
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$136,132
Housing Units15
Rent Burden28.4%
Crime
F
Violent266/100K
Property1,872/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Smoking14.8%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,101 ft (336 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.09
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute19 min
Broadband10.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton receives an overall livability score of 2.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Benton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benton is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Benton is below the national average at 266 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches, including 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Benton has a population of 23 with a density of 30 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 54.9 years, 41% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.5% female and 56.5% male. The city is predominantly White (100%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 21.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 22.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.9yrs
Median Age
41% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Benton is $46,250, which is 38% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,939 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $889, 38% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 182 business establishments, including 13 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $46,250 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,939 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $889 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.424 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 182 |
| County GDP | $234M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 13 |
| Healthcare | 11 |
| Retail | 18 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.3% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $136,132. Fair market rent ranges from $729 for a one-bedroom to $956 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 15 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $6,583 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 28.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $659 |
| 1 Bedroom | $729 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $956 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,209 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,348 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 15 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,583 |
| 88% above US avg |
In Benton, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 24.3% report binge drinking. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.2% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 24.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 34.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:928 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.0% |
| Premature Death | 8,711/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 11 |
Benton has a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 residents, 30% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,872 per 100,000, 4% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Benton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 265.7/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,872.5/100K |
| 4% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches. The area receives 20.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,101 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.6°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,101 ft (336 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 30/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7043°N, 94.3599°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Ringgold County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 14.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 47.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
131 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
101 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
55 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
117 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
566 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 266 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
53 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
60 km |
6 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF4 |
92 km |
3 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
42 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.2 in |
|
Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 22°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.8").
Average costs for common services in Benton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $684 |
| Toddler | $589 |
| Preschool | $589 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $449 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
What is the population of Benton?
Benton has a population of 23 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 30 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.5% female and 56.5% male.
Is Benton expensive to live in?
Benton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $46,250, 38% below the national average of $75,149.
Is Benton safe?
Benton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 266 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,872 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Benton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Benton?
Benton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.0 inches, with 20.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Benton?
The job market in Benton is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $889. There are 182 business establishments in the area, including 13 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 8.3% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Benton?
Schools in Benton score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.3% of adults in Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton?
The obesity rate in Benton is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 53.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:928.
What is transportation like in Benton?
The average commute in Benton is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 83.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is 100% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 21.0% of the population are military veterans. 22.7% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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