Median Income
$36,429
52% lower than US avg
Home Value
$155,800
45% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
531/100K
40% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
10.1%
70% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$950
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.2%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.8%
50% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
16.0%
29% higher than US avg
How Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population494
Median Age45.5 yrs
Density823/mi²
Male / Female40% / 60%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$36,429
Per Capita$23,863
Unemployment1.8%
Poverty16.0%
County GDP$3,276M
Commute25 min
Housing
A
Home Value$155,800
Rent$950
Ownership39.5%
Zillow$261,365
Housing Units343
Rent Burden39.8%
Crime
F
Violent531/100K
Property850/100K
Health
Obesity36.2%
Smoking26.9%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI40 (Good)
Rain48.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation763 ft (233 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+10.1%
High School+95.4%
Graduate+3.4%
School Score6.46
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute25 min
Broadband81.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton 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, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes. Benton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Benton is $36,429, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.8%. The poverty rate of 16.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton is $155,800, 45% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 531 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 per 100,000, 57% below the national average.
Education
10.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.5/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.4 inches, including 46.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40.
Benton has a population of 494 with a density of 823 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 45.5 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.1% female and 39.9% male. The city is predominantly White (93.9%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
45.5yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Benton is $36,429, which is 52% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $23,863 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 16.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,571 business establishments, including 170 restaurants. The cost of living index is 97.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 22.3% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,429 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $23,863 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,596 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.8% |
| 50% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 16.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,571 |
| County GDP | $3,276M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 170 |
| Healthcare | 191 |
| Retail | 230 |
| Manufacturing | 73 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 97.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 69.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 22.3% |
The median home value in Benton is $155,800, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,365, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $950 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $996 for a one-bedroom to $1,225 for a two-bedroom apartment. 39.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 343 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $4,387 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 39.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $155,800 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,365 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $950 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 39.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $900 |
| 1 Bedroom | $996 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,225 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,570 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,744 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 39.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Housing Units | 343 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,387 |
| 25% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Benton, 36.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 31.9% have high blood pressure. 26.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 29.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753. The dentist ratio is 1:2,094. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Benton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.2% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.9% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Kidney Disease | 3.2% |
| Stroke | 3.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 26.9% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.7% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 37.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.2% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:1,753 |
| Dentists | 1:2,094 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,190 |
| Checkup Rate | 69.3% |
| Dental Visits | 58.4% |
| Premature Death | 8,535/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 191 |
Benton has a violent crime rate of 531 per 100,000 residents, 40% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 850 per 100,000, 57% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 9 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 | 531.4/100K |
| 40% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 850.2/100K |
| 57% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 9 |
| Traffic Accidents | 166 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.2 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 69°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 48.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 46.0 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 40. The city sits at an elevation of 763 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
69°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 47.6°F |
| 12% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 763 ft (233 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 823/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1957°N, 76.3843°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Columbia County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hazleton Regional (HZL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.4"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 40.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 30.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
23 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Jun 10, 2025.
| Apr 5, 2024 |
2024 Tewksbury, New Jersey Earthquake |
M4.8 |
147 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
2 km W of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.6 |
101 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km E of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M4.2 |
102 km |
| Apr 5, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M3.7 |
149 km |
| Jun 13, 2019 |
9 km N of Blain, Pennsylvania |
M3.4 |
128 km |
| Aug 26, 2003 |
4 km NNW of Milford, New Jersey |
M3.1 |
126 km |
| Jun 3, 2010 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Nov 14, 1997 |
0 km S of Rothsville, Pennsylvania |
M3.0 |
117 km |
| Apr 24, 2009 |
1 km S of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| Jan 16, 1994 |
0 km SSE of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania |
M2.9 |
102 km |
| Apr 27, 2024 |
7 km WSW of Gladstone, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
148 km |
| May 24, 2024 |
6 km E of Califon, New Jersey |
M2.9 |
147 km |
| Sep 15, 2019 |
5 km ESE of East Berlin, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
148 km |
| May 10, 1993 |
1 km NW of Whitfield, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
99 km |
| Jun 10, 2025 |
10 km NW of Forksville, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
47 km |
| Oct 25, 2009 |
4 km ENE of Franklintown, Pennsylvania |
M2.8 |
132 km |
| Mar 11, 1995 |
0 km ENE of Landisville, Pennsylvania |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Jan 25, 2015 |
4 km ESE of Downingtown, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
147 km |
| Oct 28, 1996 |
2 km W of Reinholds, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
105 km |
| Jan 18, 1994 |
3 km SE of Clay, Pennsylvania |
M2.6 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Gloria (1985, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 1985 |
Gloria |
Category 1 |
268 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
263 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 11 fatalities, 161 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 2, 1998 |
EF3 |
55 km |
2 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1985 |
EF3 |
64 km |
6 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1981 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 1976 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1970 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 2018 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2018 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 2017 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 2014 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2011 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 2010 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Jul 29, 2009 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Dec 1, 2006 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Tsunami History
1 tsunami recorded within 500 km.
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1895 |
HIGH BRIDGE, NJ |
Earthquake |
— |
— |
139 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: PENOBSCOT (2,091 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
PENOBSCOT |
2,091 |
44 km |
| 2008 |
BULL RUN |
2,003 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
CRYSTAL LAKE |
1,838 |
46 km |
| 2020 |
SEVEN PINES |
790 |
89 km |
| 2015 |
RAZOR FIRE |
728 |
75 km |
| 2015 |
PIPELINE 1 |
666 |
60 km |
| 2016 |
BEAR TOWN |
649 |
97 km |
| 2006 |
OKOME ROAD |
573 |
87 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
56°F (13°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
3.0 in |
|
Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 45°F / from 25°F in January to 69°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (2.5").
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) |
$244 ($146–$390) |
| Specialist Visit |
$342 ($195–$537) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$195 ($98–$342) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,147 ($781–$4,880) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$127 ($73–$195) |
| Dental Filling |
$244 ($146–$390) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($24–$73) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$73 ($49–$117) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$586 ($390–$976) |
| Battery Replacement |
$195 ($98–$342) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$98 ($59–$146) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$88 ($49–$137) |
| HVAC Repair |
$390 ($146–$781) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,832 ($3,904–$11,712) |
| Roof Repair |
$976 ($390–$1,952) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,784 ($5,368–$14,640) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,464 ($488–$3,416) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,640 ($4,880–$29,280) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,880 ($1,952–$9,760) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,464 ($781–$2,928) |
| Will Preparation |
$488 ($195–$976) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,440 ($976–$4,880) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($29–$98) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$146 ($73–$244) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($15–$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$78 ($49–$127) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.00 ($2.93–$5.37) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.42 ($2.44–$4.88) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.71 ($2.44–$5.37) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.39 ($2.93–$6.34) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.37 ($3.90–$7.32) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.98 ($0.59–$1.76) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$137 ($78–$244) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$146) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$117) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$68 ($39–$98) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$98) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$83 ($49–$146) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$195 ($73–$488) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,952 ($1,171–$3,416) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$68 ($29–$127) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.81–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$98 ($29–$244) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($15–$73) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,171 ($586–$2,440) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$976 ($488–$1,952) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$390 ($195–$683) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($24–$98) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$976 ($390–$2,440) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,200 ($4,880–$29,280) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$98 ($49–$195) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($29–$98) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20–$73) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$293 ($146–$488) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$195 ($98–$390) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
What is the population of Benton?
Benton has a population of 494 residents and is located in Pennsylvania. The population density is 823 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.1% female and 39.9% male.
Is Benton expensive to live in?
Benton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 97.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $36,429, 52% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $155,800 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $950 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Benton safe?
The violent crime rate in Benton is 531 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 850 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 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 69°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.4 inches, with 46.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 40.
How is the job market in Benton?
The job market in Benton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 1,571 business establishments in the area, including 170 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 22.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton?
The median home value in Benton is $155,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $261,365. For renters, the median monthly rent is $950. Fair market rent is $996 for a 1-bedroom and $1,225 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 39.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,387.
How are the schools in Benton?
Schools in Benton score 6.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 10.1% of adults in Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.4% have completed high school. 3.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton?
The obesity rate in Benton is 36.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 26.9% of adults are smokers. 29.7% are physically inactive. 74.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,753.
What is transportation like in Benton?
The average commute in Benton is 25 minutes. 69.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 22.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is 93.9% White. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 22.3% of residents have a disability. 96.2% have health insurance coverage.
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