Benson, Arizona Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Benson, Arizona had a total population of 5,417, the 90th largest city in Arizona, with a median household income of $49,346, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 12.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 8.7% is notably above the national average.
Benson Quick Facts
How Benson Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,331 | 5,417 | +1.6% |
| Median household income | $48,854 | $49,346 | +1.0% |
| Median home value | $145,700 | $148,900 | +2.2% |
How Benson Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 62 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Benson Rankings in Arizona
Explore Arizona Rankings
Other Cities in Cochise County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sierra Vista | 45,155 | $70,291 | 12.0% | $254,200 |
| Douglas | 15,981 | $42,019 | 27.8% | $157,700 |
| Sierra Vista Southeast | 14,330 | $75,417 | 8.0% | $258,800 |
| Bisbee | 4,977 | $47,613 | 15.2% | $216,700 |
| Willcox | 3,222 | $43,929 | 19.3% | $158,500 |
| Whetstone | 2,971 | $51,625 | 26.9% | $213,900 |
| Pirtleville | 1,939 | $48,589 | 30.5% | $90,200 |
| Mescal | 1,760 | $55,417 | 12.4% | $191,300 |
| Huachuca City | 1,614 | $50,625 | 20.2% | $126,300 |
| St. David | 1,098 | $53,188 | 9.1% | $154,200 |
Cities Similar to Benson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guadalupe | 5,272 | $51,354 | $271,300 | 11.1% | 27.1% |
| Three Points | 5,254 | $56,898 | $187,700 | 10.0% | 15.3% |
| Bisbee | 4,977 | $47,613 | $216,700 | 30.8% | 15.2% |
| Summit | 4,896 | $47,064 | $150,400 | 5.5% | 31.8% |
| San Carlos | 4,973 | $56,302 | $67,200 | 2.3% | 40.4% |
Population Overview
Benson is a small city located in Arizona, within Cochise County. The total population is 5,417. It ranks as the 90th most populous out of 441 Census-designated places in Arizona.
Age Demographics
The median age in Benson is 50.6 years. This is 30% higher than the state median of 39.0 years. 14.9% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Benson is $49,346. This is 38% lower than the state median of $79,964. It is also 39% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 12.1%. This is 3% lower than the state poverty rate of 12.5%. The unemployment rate is 8.7%. This is 72% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $148,900. Housing costs are 62% lower than the state median of $394,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x. 59.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% lower than the state average of 67.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Benson is White (non-Hispanic), making up 76.2% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 14.8%. The Black or African American population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 4.4%. The Hispanic or Latino population (14.8%) is well below the state average of 31.4%. The Asian population (0.4%) is well below the state average of 3.5%.
Education
25.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 25% lower than the state rate of 33.3%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 86.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Benson, Arizona is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Arizona state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 441 Census-designated places in Arizona. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Benson, Arizona?
Benson, Arizona has a population of 5,417 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Benson, AZ?
The median household income in Benson is $49,346, which is 39% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Benson, AZ?
The poverty rate in Benson is 12.1%. This means approximately 645 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Benson, Arizona?
Benson's population is 76.2% White, 0.3% Black, 14.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.4% Asian.
What is the median home value in Benson, AZ?
The median home value in Benson is $148,900. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x.
How educated is Benson, Arizona?
25.2% of adults (25+) in Benson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.