Benton city, Arkansas Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Benton city, Arkansas has a total population of 35,954, the 12th largest city in Arkansas, with a median household income of $69,638, which is 18% higher than the state average. The poverty rate is 10.1%.
Benton city Quick Facts
How Benton city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 50 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Benton city Rankings in Arkansas
Explore Arkansas Rankings
Cities Similar to Benton city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sherwood city | 32,915 | $79,157 | $190,900 | 34.5% | 9.5% |
| Bella Vista city | 30,935 | $85,932 | $262,400 | 37.8% | 3.5% |
| Hot Springs city | 38,023 | $46,441 | $156,900 | 27.7% | 21.3% |
| Paragould city | 29,940 | $56,181 | $175,400 | 16.3% | 16.8% |
| Cabot city | 26,733 | $72,656 | $197,000 | 25.8% | 10.8% |
Population Overview
Benton city is a mid-sized community located in Arkansas. The total population is 35,954. It ranks as the 12th most populous out of 617 cities and towns in Arkansas.
Age Demographics
The median age in Benton city is 37.8 years. This is 2% lower than the state median of 38.4 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Benton city is $69,638. This is 18% higher than the state median of $58,773. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 11% lower. The poverty rate stands at 10.1%. This is 37% lower than the state poverty rate of 16.0%. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. This is 14% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $199,400. Housing costs are 14% higher than the state median of $175,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Benton city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 65.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 2% lower than the state average of 66.1%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Benton city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 77.8% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 9.6%.
Education
28.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 14% higher than the state rate of 25.1%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Benton city, Arkansas is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Arkansas state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 617 Census-designated places in Arkansas. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Benton city, Arkansas?
Benton city, Arkansas has a population of 35,954 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Benton city, AR?
The median household income in Benton city is $69,638, which is 11% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Benton city, AR?
The poverty rate in Benton city is 10.1%. This means approximately 3,574 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Benton city, Arkansas?
Benton city's population is 77.8% White, 9.6% Black, 6.7% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Benton city, AR?
The median home value in Benton city is $199,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x.
How educated is Benton city, Arkansas?
28.6% of adults (25+) in Benton city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.