Median Income
$82,679
10% higher than US avg
Home Value
$256,900
9% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
891/100K
134% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
39.1%
16% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$771
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.0%
44% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.7%
54% lower than US avg
How Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population832
Median Age46.7 yrs
Density1,300/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans11.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$82,679
Per Capita$39,517
Unemployment2.0%
Poverty5.7%
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$256,900
Rent$771
Ownership69.8%
Zillow$197,653
Housing Units342
Rent Burden21.6%
Crime
F
Violent891/100K
Property4,126/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured10.4%
Smoking19.5%
Depression25.3%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain41.4 in/yr
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation850 ft (259 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+39.1%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+22.0%
School Score5.49
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute22 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations2
Is Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime 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 $82,679, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.0%. Only 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton is $256,900, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 891 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 4,126 per 100,000, 110% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 39.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.4 inches, including 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Benton has a population of 832 with a density of 1,300 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 46.7 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 5% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.9% of residents. 11.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.4% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.7yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.9%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.1%
77% below US avg
The median household income in Benton is $82,679, which is 10% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,517. The unemployment rate is 2.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 5.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $82,679 |
| 10% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,517 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.0% |
| 44% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.7% |
| 54% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 3.0% |
The median home value in Benton is $256,900, 9% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,653, lower than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $771 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $708 for a one-bedroom to $929 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 342 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. 21.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $256,900 |
| 9% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $197,653 |
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $280,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $97 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $771 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 21.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $690 |
| 1 Bedroom | $708 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $929 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,194 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,453 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.2% |
| Housing Units | 342 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
In Benton, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 35.0% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.1% report binge drinking. 33.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.9% experience frequent mental distress. 10.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Benton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.0% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.9% |
| Depression | 25.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.9% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 41.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.4% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
Food & Exercise
Benton has a violent crime rate of 891 per 100,000 residents, 134% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,126 per 100,000, 110% above the U.S. average. Overall, Benton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Benton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 890.8/100K |
| 134% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,125.6/100K |
| 110% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Traffic Accidents | 9 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 261 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 41.4 inches. The area receives 5.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 850 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.1°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 850 ft (259 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,300/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2931°N, 93.3037°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.4"
9% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.16"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
61 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
69 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
40 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
64 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
39 km |
| Apr 23, 2025 |
3 km E of Hartville, Missouri |
M2.6 |
137 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
145 km |
| Apr 29, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Evergreen, Missouri |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
412 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 11 fatalities, 284 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
60 km |
4 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
38 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
2 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2012 |
EF2 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2008 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,388 ac, 1994).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
7,388 |
55 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
5,344 |
74 km |
| 2006 |
BIG SPRING FIRE |
4,921 |
55 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
4,767 |
55 km |
| 2009 |
MOUNTAIN CREEK |
4,322 |
70 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
4,179 |
68 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
3,538 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,533 |
74 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,492 |
61 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
3,336 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,135 |
64 km |
| 2012 |
KINFOLK RD |
2,883 |
72 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,763 |
21 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,710 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,590 |
54 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,575 |
53 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,569 |
76 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
2,418 |
65 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,369 |
62 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,166 |
59 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.5").
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) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
What is the population of Benton?
Benton has a population of 832 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,300 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Benton expensive to live in?
Benton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $82,679, 10% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $256,900 (9% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $771 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benton safe?
Public safety is a concern in Benton, with a violent crime rate of 891 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 4,126 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.4 inches, with 5.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Benton?
The job market in Benton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 3.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton?
The median home value in Benton is $256,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $197,653. For renters, the median monthly rent is $771. Fair market rent is $708 for a 1-bedroom and $929 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.8%.
How are the schools in Benton?
Schools in Benton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 39.1% of adults in Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 22.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton?
The obesity rate in Benton is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 33.9% are physically inactive. 25.3% of residents report depression. 10.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Benton?
The average commute in Benton is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is 88.7% White, 5% Black or African American. 96.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.1% speak Spanish. 11.9% of the population are military veterans. 8.4% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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