Benton County, Minnesota Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Benton County is located in Minnesota with a total population of 41,458. It is the 25th most populous county out of 87 in Minnesota. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Benton County is 36.7 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 38.6 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Benton County is $71,480. This is 18% lower than the state median of $87,556. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 9% lower. The poverty rate stands at 9.8%. This is 6% higher than the state poverty rate of 9.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.0%. This is 3% higher than the state rate of 3.9%. The median home value is $247,100. Housing costs are 19% lower than the state median of $305,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 67.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% lower than the state average of 72.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

Benton County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.6% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 3.9%. The Asian population (1.0%) is well below the state average of 5.0%.

Education

24.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 37% lower than the state rate of 38.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 92.3%.