Median Income
$103,681
38% higher than US avg
Home Value
$149,500
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
111/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.3%
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.5%
29% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.6%
0% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.4%
16% lower than US avg
How Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population394
Median Age52.1 yrs
Density415/mi²
Male / Female37% / 63%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans2.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$103,681
Per Capita$31,829
Unemployment3.6%
Poverty10.4%
County GDP$20,586M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$149,500
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$297,188
Housing Units240
Rent Burden29.1%
Crime
F
Violent111/100K
Property3,835/100K
Health
Obesity41.5%
Smoking16.8%
Depression27.0%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain34.6 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation831 ft (253 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.3%
High School+95.8%
Graduate+8.0%
School Score5.92
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.7%
EV Stations11
Libraries11
Is Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Benton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benton is $103,681, which is significantly higher than the national average / 38% above $75,149. This places Benton among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.6%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.4% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton is $149,500, 47% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Benton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the national average.
Education
17.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Benton has a population of 394 with a density of 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 52.1 years, 34% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 63.2% female and 36.8% male. The city is predominantly White (74.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.8% of residents, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 4.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.1yrs
Median Age
34% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.8%
14% above US avg
Spanish
10.2%
24% below US avg
The median household income in Benton is $103,681, which is 38% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,829 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,195, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.4% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 5,293 business establishments, including 426 restaurants. The cost of living index is 93.3, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $103,681 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,829 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,195 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,434 |
| Gini Index | 0.442 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.6% |
| 0% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.4% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 5,293 |
| County GDP | $20,586M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 426 |
| Healthcare | 404 |
| Retail | 716 |
| Manufacturing | 835 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 93.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.01% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Benton is $149,500, 47% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,188, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $1,032 for a one-bedroom to $1,242 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 240 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1950. The average annual property tax is $4,493 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $149,500 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $297,188 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $894 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,032 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,242 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,489 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,992 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 240 |
| Median Year Built | 1950 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,493 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.01% |
In Benton, 41.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 16.8% are current smokers. 18.5% report binge drinking. 22.8% are physically inactive. 27.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,049. The dentist ratio is 1:2,434. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.5% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 7.4% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.8% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.8% |
| Depression | 27.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.1% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:2,049 |
| Dentists | 1:2,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:558 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,847/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 404 |
Benton has a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,835 per 100,000, 96% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 39 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Benton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 111.3/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,834.6/100K |
| 96% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 39 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
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 25°F in January while summers reach 73°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 34.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 831 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 831 ft (253 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.5098°N, 85.7662°W |
| Timezone | America/Indiana/Indianapolis |
| County | Elkhart County County |
| Nearest Airport | South Bend International (SBN)
32 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.6"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.98"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0446 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.5 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
6 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 |
93 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
24 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
140 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
104 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
132 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
470 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 142 fatalities, 1,807 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
71 km |
21 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
31 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
55 km |
23 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
13 km |
5 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
36 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
57 km |
1 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
58 km |
1 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
88 km |
5 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
27 km |
5 |
| May 16, 1968 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Nov 26, 1965 |
EF3 |
65 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 |
95 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 25°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.0") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$233 ($140–$373) |
| Specialist Visit |
$327 ($187–$513) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$187 ($93–$327) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,053 ($746–$4,665) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$187) |
| Dental Filling |
$233 ($140–$373) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($47–$112) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$560 ($373–$933) |
| Battery Replacement |
$187 ($93–$327) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$140) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($47–$131) |
| HVAC Repair |
$373 ($140–$746) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,531 ($3,732–$11,196) |
| Roof Repair |
$933 ($373–$1,866) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,397 ($5,132–$13,995) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,400 ($467–$3,266) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,995 ($4,665–$27,990) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,665 ($1,866–$9,330) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,400 ($746–$2,799) |
| Will Preparation |
$467 ($187–$933) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,333 ($933–$4,665) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$140 ($70–$233) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.83 ($2.80–$5.13) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.27 ($2.33–$4.67) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.55 ($2.33–$5.13) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.20 ($2.80–$6.06) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.13 ($3.73–$7.00) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.68) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$131 ($75–$233) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$140) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$112) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($47–$140) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$187 ($70–$467) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,866 ($1,120–$3,266) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.46–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$233) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,120 ($560–$2,333) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$933 ($467–$1,866) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$373 ($187–$653) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$933 ($373–$2,333) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,663 ($4,665–$27,990) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($47–$187) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$280 ($140–$467) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$187 ($93–$373) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
What is the population of Benton?
Benton has a population of 394 residents and is located in Indiana. The population density is 415 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 63.2% female and 36.8% male.
Is Benton expensive to live in?
Benton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.3 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $103,681, 38% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $149,500 (47% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benton safe?
Benton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 111 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,835 per 100,000 (above 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 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Benton?
Benton has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,195. There are 5,293 business establishments in the area, including 426 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton?
The median home value in Benton is $149,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $297,188. The homeownership rate is 100.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,493.
How are the schools in Benton?
Schools in Benton score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.3% of adults in Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.8% have completed high school. 8.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton?
The obesity rate in Benton is 41.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.8% of adults are smokers. 22.8% are physically inactive. 27.0% of residents report depression. 73.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,049.
What is transportation like in Benton?
The average commute in Benton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is 74.6% White. 89.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 2.3% of the population are military veterans. 4.1% of residents have a disability. 98.1% have health insurance coverage.
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