Median Income
$63,594
15% lower than US avg
Home Value
$139,300
51% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
80/100K
79% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.1%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,079
7% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.6%
28% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Benton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population904
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density1,076/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.4%
Economy
A
Median Income$63,594
Per Capita$30,892
Unemployment2.6%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$932M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$139,300
Rent$1,079
Ownership77.2%
Zillow$188,159
Housing Units411
Rent Burden22.6%
Crime
F
Violent80/100K
Property561/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Uninsured8.7%
Smoking18.0%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain40.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation919 ft (280 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.1%
High School+95.2%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 60% / D 39%
Commute23 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries7
Is Benton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Benton receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, 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 $63,594, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.6%. Only 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Benton is $139,300, 51% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,079 per month. At just 2.2x 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 80 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 561 per 100,000, 71% below the national average.
Education
17.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Benton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches, including 42.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Benton has a population of 904 with a density of 1,076 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (91.8%), with 1.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 5.4% of the population are veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
The median household income in Benton is $63,594, which is 15% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,892 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $968, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 510 business establishments, including 34 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes. 4.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $63,594 |
| 15% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,892 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $968 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,765 |
| Gini Index | 0.410 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.6% |
| 28% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 510 |
| County GDP | $932M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 34 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 42 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.16% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.1% |
The median home value in Benton is $139,300, 51% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,159, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,079 (7% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 77.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 411 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,400 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $139,300 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,159 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,079 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 77.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 77.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.8% |
| Housing Units | 411 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,400 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.16% |
In Benton, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.3% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.1% report binge drinking. 30.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,196. The dentist ratio is 1:5,626. 47.6% 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 | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.3% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.1% |
| Depression | 26.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 37.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.4% |
| Uninsured | 8.7% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,196 |
| Dentists | 1:5,626 |
| Mental Health | 1:530 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,606/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 47.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Benton has a violent crime rate of 80 per 100,000 residents, 79% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 561 per 100,000, 71% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 80.1/100K |
| 79% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 560.9/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| 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 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 40.0 inches. The area receives 42.8 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 919 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.7°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 919 ft (280 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,076/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.5700°N, 90.3835°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lafayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dubuque Regional (DBQ)
20 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.0"
5% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 33.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 24.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 58.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Sep 2, 1999.
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
123 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 19 fatalities, 505 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF5 |
55 km |
9 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1983 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
92 km |
1 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
99 km |
2 |
| Aug 5, 1979 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Sep 9, 1970 |
EF3 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 2, 1967 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: COLD SPRINGS (552 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
63 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
|
Benton has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 18°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (1.1").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $788 |
| Toddler | $736 |
| Preschool | $736 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Benton
What is the population of Benton?
Benton has a population of 904 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,076 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.6 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Benton expensive to live in?
Benton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $63,594, 15% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $139,300 (51% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,079 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, 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 80 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 561 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 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 40.0 inches, with 42.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Benton?
The job market in Benton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $968. There are 510 business establishments in the area, including 34 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 4.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Benton?
The median home value in Benton is $139,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,159. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,079. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 77.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,400.
How are the schools in Benton?
Schools in Benton score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.1% of adults in Benton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.2% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Benton?
The obesity rate in Benton is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 30.1% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 8.7% lack health insurance. 47.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,196.
What is transportation like in Benton?
The average commute in Benton is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Benton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is 91.8% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 5.4% of the population are military veterans. 10.5% of residents have a disability. 98.4% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
