Home Value
$79,500
72% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.9%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$241
79% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
45.8%
43% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Bentonia Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population274
Median Age57.8 yrs
Density193/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 49%
Veterans3.7%
Economy
Per Capita$22,164
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$1,091M
Commute30 min
Housing
Home Value$79,500
Rent$241
Ownership22.0%
Zillow$88,874
Housing Units216
Rent Burden29.1%
Health
Obesity45.8%
Uninsured1.8%
Smoking21.6%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
Rain51.3 in/yr
Elevation197 ft (60 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.9%
High School+87.4%
Graduate+7.8%
School Score3.14
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute30 min
Broadband54.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Bentonia a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Bentonia receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Bentonia offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Bentonia is $79,500, 72% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $241 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
25.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.1/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Bentonia enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.3 inches.
Bentonia has a population of 274 with a density of 193 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age is 57.8 years, 49% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly Black (50%), with 48.5% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 3.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 33.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 98.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
274
Total Population
2023 Census
57.8yrs
Median Age
49% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.6%
96% below US avg
Per capita income is $22,164 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,015, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 456 business establishments, including 32 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $22,164 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,015 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,731 |
| Gini Index | 0.482 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 456 |
| County GDP | $1,091M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 32 |
| Healthcare | 42 |
| Retail | 80 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,489 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Bentonia is $79,500, 72% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $88,874, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $241 (79% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $782 for a one-bedroom to $924 for a two-bedroom apartment. 22.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 216 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,489 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $79,500 |
| 72% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $88,874 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $241 |
| 79% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $751 |
| 1 Bedroom | $782 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $924 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,177 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 22.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Housing Units | 216 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,489 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.13% |
In Bentonia, 45.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 42.7% have high blood pressure. 21.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.1% report binge drinking. 37.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 1.8% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,396. The dentist ratio is 1:3,707. 65.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 4.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Bentonia vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 45.8% |
| 43% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.6% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.7% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 9.8% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 21.6% |
| 54% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 37.1% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.2% |
| Uninsured | 1.8% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,396 |
| Dentists | 1:3,707 |
| Mental Health | 1:469 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.2% |
| Dental Visits | 7.1% |
| Premature Death | 14,590/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 4.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 42 |
Bentonia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 46°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 51.3 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 197 feet.
Temperature
46°F Jan (8°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 64.9°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 46°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 197 ft (60 m) |
| Area | 1.4 sq mi (3.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 193/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.6436°N, 90.3692°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yazoo County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International (JAN)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
51.3"
35% above US avg
Wettest Month (Apr)
5.28"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 71.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 91.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 20.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M3.0 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jan 8, 2019 |
8 km WNW of Hollandale, Mississippi |
M3.7 |
81 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
7 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
29 km |
| Jun 29, 2015 |
6 km SSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.2 |
29 km |
| Aug 11, 1996 |
9 km WSW of Shaw, Mississippi |
M3.1 |
114 km |
| May 3, 2015 |
8 km WSW of Canton, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
25 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
5 km NNE of Magee, Mississippi |
M3.0 |
102 km |
| Aug 9, 2019 |
Mississippi |
M2.8 |
34 km |
| Aug 17, 2015 |
9 km N of Madison, Mississippi |
M2.6 |
26 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
10 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Ida (2021, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2021 |
Ida |
Category 2 |
231 km |
| 2020 |
Laura |
Category 3 |
266 km |
| 2020 |
Zeta |
Category 2 |
196 km |
| 2017 |
Nate |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2008 |
Gustav |
Category 1 |
298 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
123 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
287 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
266 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 1 |
270 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
223 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
861 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 257 fatalities, 3,084 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 1966 |
EF5 |
54 km |
58 |
| Dec 5, 1953 |
EF5 |
61 km |
38 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF4 |
63 km |
17 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF4 |
92 km |
10 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
10 |
| Nov 24, 2001 |
EF4 |
29 km |
2 |
| Nov 21, 1992 |
EF4 |
76 km |
12 |
| Mar 9, 1992 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jan 19, 1988 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
16 km |
3 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
49 km |
13 |
| Feb 21, 1971 |
EF4 |
61 km |
58 |
| Dec 2, 1967 |
EF4 |
87 km |
2 |
| Mar 11, 1963 |
EF4 |
89 km |
2 |
| Mar 24, 2023 |
EF3 |
80 km |
3 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
| Oct 17, 2012 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIEN 75-78 (4,658 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
BIEN 75-78 |
4,658 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 38-39-40 |
4,545 |
76 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
4,007 |
76 km |
| 2010 |
COMP 222-223-224 |
3,745 |
83 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
3,547 |
67 km |
| 2010 |
BIEN 1-4 |
2,983 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,935 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE CPT 1-4 |
2,761 |
67 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,436 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,388 |
77 km |
| 2022 |
508 |
2,386 |
68 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 76/77 |
2,246 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
BIEN 42-46 55 |
2,215 |
83 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,128 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,094 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
BIEN 5-7 |
1,890 |
68 km |
| 2013 |
BIEN 1-4 |
1,888 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 45/46 |
1,861 |
81 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
1,827 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
BIENVILLE - CPT 42-44 |
1,815 |
84 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
46°F (8°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
58°F (14°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
Driest |
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
55°F (13°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
48°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Bentonia has a seasonal temperature swing of 35°F / from 46°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.3 inches, with April being the wettest month (5.3") and September the driest (3.3").
Average costs for common services in Bentonia. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$218 ($131-$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$305 ($174-$479) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87-$305) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,914 ($696-$4,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65-$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$218 ($131-$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22-$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($44-$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$522 ($348-$870) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87-$305) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52-$131) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($44-$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($131-$696) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,090 ($3,480-$10,440) |
| Roof Repair |
$870 ($348-$1,740) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,830 ($4,785-$13,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,305 ($435-$3,045) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,050 ($4,350-$26,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,350 ($1,740-$8,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,305 ($696-$2,610) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174-$870) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,175 ($870-$4,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$131 ($65-$218) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.57 ($2.61-$4.79) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.05 ($2.18-$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.31 ($2.18-$4.79) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.92 ($2.61-$5.66) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.79 ($3.48-$6.53) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52-$1.57) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70-$218) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$131) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($44-$131) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65-$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,740 ($1,044-$3,045) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.96-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26-$218) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,044 ($522-$2,175) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$870 ($435-$1,740) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174-$609) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$870 ($348-$2,175) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,875 ($4,350-$26,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($44-$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26-$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17-$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($131-$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87-$348) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $664 |
| Toddler | $619 |
| Preschool | $567 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bentonia
What is the population of Bentonia?
Bentonia has a population of 274 residents and is located in Mississippi. The population density is 193 people per square mile, spread across 1.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 57.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Bentonia expensive to live in?
Bentonia is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $79,500 (72% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $241 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Bentonia?
Bentonia enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 46°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 51.3 inches.
How is the job market in Bentonia?
The job market in Bentonia is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,015. There are 456 business establishments in the area, including 32 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 30 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Bentonia?
The median home value in Bentonia is $79,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $88,874. For renters, the median monthly rent is $241. Fair market rent is $782 for a 1-bedroom and $924 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 22.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,489.
How are the schools in Bentonia?
Schools in Bentonia have an average test score of 3.1 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 25.9% of adults in Bentonia hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.4% have completed high school. 7.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Bentonia?
The obesity rate in Bentonia is 45.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 21.6% of adults are smokers. 37.1% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 1.8% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 65.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,396.
What is transportation like in Bentonia?
The average commute in Bentonia is 30 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Bentonia?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Bentonia is 48.5% White, 50% Black or African American. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 3.7% of the population are military veterans. 33.2% of residents have a disability. 98.2% have health insurance coverage.