Benson, AZ demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,417
1.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$49,346/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,226
1.7% year-over-year change

Benson population

How many people live in Benson

Benson is home to 5,417 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.2% of Benson locals are male, and 50.8% are female.

Total population
5,417
1.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.2%
2,666
Female
50.8%
2,751
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,666 49.2% 0.8%
Female 2,751 50.8% 2.5%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Benson is 51, with the population distributed as follows: about 15.9% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 16.3% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 31% are 65 or older.

Median age
50.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
15.9%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
16.3%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
31%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 862 15.9% 7.6%
15 to 24 542 10% 23.5%
25 to 44 885 16.3% -0.2%
45 to 64 1,451 26.8% 2.4%
Over 65 1,677 31% -6.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Benson, 94.9% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 82.5% of locals are Caucasian, 0.3% are African American and 0.4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 12.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.1%
Non-citizens
1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,141 94.9% 1.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 222 4.1% 3.3%
Non-citizens 54 1% -19.4%
Racial breakdown
White
82.5%
Black or African American
0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1%
Asian
0.4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
12.2%
Other
3.6%
Value Percent
White 4,468 82.5%
Black or African American 16 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 56 1%
Asian 19 0.4%
Two or more races 662 12.2%
Other 196 3.6%

Households in Benson

A peek inside Benson households

Benson has 2,395 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 58.1% are families, while the remaining 41.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,395
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,003
Family households
1,392
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,003 41.9% 1.7%
Family households 1,392 58.1% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Benson

The housing landscape of Benson

Benson's housing consists of 3,226 units, with 39.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.1% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 41.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,226
1.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,270 39.4%
1 unit, attached 36 1.1%
3 or 4 units 89 2.8%
5 to 9 units 200 6.2%
10 to 19 units 23 0.7%
20 to 49 units 99 3.1%
50 or more units 57 1.8%
Mobile home 1,338 41.5%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 114 3.5%
Homes built since 2020
29
107.1% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Benson

In Benson, the median construction year is 1985. About 4.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 0.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 10.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.9% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 144 4.5% 5.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 24 0.7% 140.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 190 5.9% -1.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 407 12.6% -2.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 612 19% 0.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 449 13.9% 18.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 505 15.6% -6.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 528 16.4% -17.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 338 10.5% 45.1%
Built in 2020 or later 29 0.9% 107.1%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Benson occupancy rates

Out of the 2,395 occupied housing units in Benson, 59.5% are owner-occupied, while 40.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 25.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,395
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
971
Owner occupied
1,424
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 971 40.5% 21.5%
Owner occupied 1,424 59.5% -10.7%
Unoccupied housing units
25.8%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Benson housing costs

Housing costs in Benson come to a median of $773 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $783.

Median housing costs per month
$773/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Benson
$783/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Benson

Benson education at a glance

About 41.4% of the population in Benson went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 7.1% earned an associate degree and 18.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 227 5.2% 20.1%
High school diploma 1,811 41.4% -3.3%
College diploma 990 22.6% 1.0%
Associate degree 311 7.1% -10.9%
Bachelor's degree 812 18.6% -1.6%
Graduate degree 221 5% 18.2%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Benson

How much people earn in Benson

The average annual household income in Benson was $62,401 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $49,346, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Benson
$62,401/year
-3.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Benson
$49,346/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Benson income by age

In Benson, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $39,688. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,985 overall. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $39,688 2.2%
45 - 64 $49,985 -5.0%
Over 65 $48,750 -1.5%
Above poverty level
4,599
Below poverty level
627
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,599 88% 2.8%
Below poverty level 627 12% -15.5%

Average renter income in Benson

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Benson, their median household income was $27,720 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,720
Rent-to-income ratio
33.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Benson

Workforce and job types in Benson

The job market in Benson is powered by 1,944 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 77.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 22.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 53% are employed by private companies, and 22.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,944
2.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,501
Blue collar
443
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,501 77.2% -6.5%
Blue collar 443 22.8% 48.7%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
53%
Governmental workers
22.8%
Not for profit companies
14.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 185 9.5% -18.1%
Private companies 1,031 53% 7.7%
Governmental workers 444 22.8% 3.5%
Not for profit companies 284 14.6% -2.4%
Unemployment rate
8.7%
-0.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Benson stands at 8.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Benson

How people get around in Benson

In Benson, the average commute time is 31 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
31 min
14.7% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,576 84.6% 8.5%
Motorcycle 34 1.8% 3.0%
Walk 70 3.8% 32.1%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Benson by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
85602 10,019 4,503 $53,008 $68,540

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FAQs about Benson demographics 

What is the total population of Benson?

Benson has a total population of 5,417 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Benson?

The gender ratio in Benson is as follows:
  • 49.2% males (2,666 residents)
  • 50.8% females (2,751 residents)

What is the median age in Benson?

The median age in Benson is 50.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Benson?

The age distribution in Benson is as follows:
  • Under 15: 15.9% (862 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (542 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 16.3% (885 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (1,451 residents)
  • Over 65: 31% (1,677 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Benson?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Benson is as follows:
  • White: 82.5% (4,468 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.3% (16 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1% (56 residents)
  • Asian: 0.4% (19 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 12.2% (662 residents)
  • Other: 3.6% (196 residents)

What percentage of the population in Benson are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.9% of the population in Benson.

How many housing units are there in Benson?

There are 3,226 housing units in Benson, reflecting a +1.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Benson and what is the average household size?

Benson has a total of 2,395 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Benson?

Benson has a median household income of $49,346, representing a +1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Benson?

The employment rate is 91.3% in Benson, with a workforce of 1,944 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 77.2% (1,501 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 22.8% (443 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (185 residents)
  • Private companies: 53% (1,031 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 22.8% (444 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 14.6% (284 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025