Benton, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,863
-3.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$54,123/yr
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,462
-0.8% year-over-year change

Benton population

How many people live in Benton

Benton is home to 6,863 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.1% of Benton locals are male, and 52.9% are female.

Total population
6,863
-3.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.1%
3,235
Female
52.9%
3,628
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,235 47.1% -4.3%
Female 3,628 52.9% -1.9%
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 Benton is 43, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.6% are children under 15, then 11.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 22.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
42.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.6%
15 to 24
11.1%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
22.9%
Over 65
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,139 16.6% -11.2%
15 to 24 763 11.1% -3.4%
25 to 44 1,644 24% -0.2%
45 to 64 1,574 22.9% -2.4%
Over 65 1,743 25.4% -0.1%
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 Benton, 97.7% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 90.2% of locals are Caucasian, 1% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1%
Non-citizens
1.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 6,708 97.7% -3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 65 1% 12.1%
Non-citizens 90 1.3% -7.2%
Racial breakdown
White
90.2%
Black or African American
1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.7%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 6,187 90.2%
Black or African American 72 1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0%
Asian 57 0.8%
Two or more races 531 7.7%
Other 15 0.2%

Households in Benton

A peek inside Benton households

Benton has 2,985 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60% are families, while the remaining 40% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,985
-0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,195
Family households
1,790
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,195 40% -1.7%
Family households 1,790 60% -0.4%
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 Benton

The housing landscape of Benton

Benton's housing consists of 3,462 units, with 77% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.8% 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 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
3,462
-0.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,667 77%
1 unit, attached 64 1.8%
2 units 378 10.9%
3 or 4 units 71 2%
5 to 9 units 37 1.1%
10 to 19 units 50 1.4%
50 or more units 78 2.2%
Mobile home 117 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Benton

In Benton, the median construction year is 1959. About 15.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 15.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 542 15.7% -9.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 529 15.3% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 700 20.2% -1.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 526 15.2% 0.6%
Built between 1970 and 1979 426 12.3% -7.4%
Built between 1980 and 1989 108 3.1% -37.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 261 7.5% 5.7%
Built between 2000 and 2009 248 7.2% 52.1%
Built between 2010 and 2019 122 3.5% 114.0%
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.

Benton occupancy rates

Out of the 2,985 occupied housing units in Benton, 62.6% are owner-occupied, while 37.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.8% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,985
-0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,117
Owner occupied
1,868
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,117 37.4% -0.1%
Owner occupied 1,868 62.6% -1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.8%
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.

Benton housing costs

Housing costs in Benton come to a median of $740 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $798.

Median housing costs per month
$740/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 Benton
$798/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 Benton

Benton education at a glance

About 42.8% of the population in Benton went to high school, while 28% pursued college studies. Another 8.9% earned an associate degree and 13.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 158 2.9% -4.2%
High school diploma 2,332 42.8% 0.3%
College diploma 1,523 28% 4.0%
Associate degree 484 8.9% -5.3%
Bachelor's degree 724 13.3% -0.6%
Graduate degree 223 4.1% -11.5%
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 Benton

How much people earn in Benton

The average annual household income in Benton was $76,190 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +8.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $54,123, reflecting a +5.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Benton
$76,190/year
8.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Benton
$54,123/year
5.4% year-over-year change

Benton income by age

In Benton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $61,205. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,250 overall. Overall, 82.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $61,205 -4.5%
45 - 64 $66,250 8.1%
Over 65 $35,912 -3.0%
Above poverty level
5,365
Below poverty level
1,162
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,365 82.2% -2.2%
Below poverty level 1,162 17.8% -4.2%

Average renter income in Benton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Benton, their median household income was $25,233 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,233
Rent-to-income ratio
38%
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 Benton

Workforce and job types in Benton

The job market in Benton is powered by 2,780 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 68% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 32% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.7% run their own businesses, 68.1% are employed by private companies, and 13.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,780
-2.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,891
Blue collar
889
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,891 68% 0.2%
Blue collar 889 32% -7.6%
Employer type
Self employees
7.7%
Private companies
68.1%
Governmental workers
13.2%
Not for profit companies
10.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 215 7.7% 22.9%
Private companies 1,894 68.1% -9.2%
Governmental workers 367 13.2% 34.4%
Not for profit companies 304 10.9% -3.5%
Unemployment rate
3.9%
58.3% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Benton stands at 3.9%, 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 Benton

How people get around in Benton

Commuting methods vary: 86% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,344 86% -4.8%
Bus or trolleybus 12 0.4% 0.0%
Walk 24 0.9% 60.0%
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 Benton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
62812 11,611 4,921 $60,539 $78,574

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FAQs about Benton demographics 

What is the total population of Benton?

Benton has a total population of 6,863 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 -3.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Benton?

The gender ratio in Benton is as follows:
  • 47.1% males (3,235 residents)
  • 52.9% females (3,628 residents)

What is the median age in Benton?

The median age in Benton is 42.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Benton?

The age distribution in Benton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.6% (1,139 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.1% (763 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (1,644 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 22.9% (1,574 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.4% (1,743 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Benton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is as follows:
  • White: 90.2% (6,187 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1% (72 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (57 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.7% (531 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (15 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.7% of the population in Benton.

How many housing units are there in Benton?

There are 3,462 housing units in Benton, reflecting a -0.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Benton has a total of 2,985 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Benton?

Benton has a median household income of $54,123, representing a +5.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.1% in Benton, with a workforce of 2,780 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 68% (1,891 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 32% (889 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.7% (215 residents)
  • Private companies: 68.1% (1,894 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.2% (367 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 10.9% (304 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