Benton County, Missouri Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Benton County is located in Missouri with a total population of 19,887. It is the 55th most populous county out of 115 in Missouri.

Age Demographics

The median age in Benton County is 54.4 years. This is 40% higher than the state median of 38.9 years. 12.5% 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 Benton County is $52,200. This is 24% lower than the state median of $68,920. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%. This is 32% higher than the state poverty rate of 12.6%. The unemployment rate is 3.9%. This is 5% lower than the state rate of 4.1%. The median home value is $164,700. Housing costs are 24% lower than the state median of $215,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x. 83.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 23% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Benton County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.4% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.9%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.9%) is well below the state average of 5.1%. The Asian population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 2.1%.

Education

15.2% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 52% lower than the state rate of 31.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.1%.