Benton County, MS demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
7,589
-0.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$46,016/yr
9.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,091
-0.2% year-over-year change

Benton County population

How many people live in Benton County

Benton County is home to 7,589 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Benton County locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
7,589
-0.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
3,721
Female
51%
3,868
Value Percent YoY change
Male 3,721 49% -1.0%
Female 3,868 51% 0.9%
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 County is 44, with the population distributed as follows: about 18.1% are children under 15, then 10% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.3% of the population, while another 28.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21% are 65 or older.

Median age
44.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
18.1%
15 to 24
10%
25 to 44
22.3%
45 to 64
28.7%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,376 18.1% 6.8%
15 to 24 755 10% -12.4%
25 to 44 1,690 22.3% -3.3%
45 to 64 2,175 28.7% 4.6%
Over 65 1,593 21% -1.3%
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 County, 94.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.8% of locals are Caucasian, 34.5% are African American and 0.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 2.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.8%
Non-citizens
4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 7,144 94.1% 0.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 139 1.8% -16.3%
Non-citizens 306 4% -11.6%
Racial breakdown
White
60.8%
Black or African American
34.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.4%
Other
1.9%
Value Percent
White 4,613 60.8%
Black or African American 2,616 34.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 7 0.1%
Asian 25 0.3%
Two or more races 181 2.4%
Other 147 1.9%

Households in Benton County

A peek inside Benton County households

Benton County has 3,074 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65.7% are families, while the remaining 34.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
3,074
1.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,055
Family households
2,019
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,055 34.3% 13.0%
Family households 2,019 65.7% -3.5%
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 County

The housing landscape of Benton County

Benton County's housing consists of 4,091 units, with 68.9% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 30.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,091
-0.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,817 68.9%
3 or 4 units 2 0%
10 to 19 units 38 0.9%
Mobile home 1,234 30.2%
Homes built since 2020
156
119.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Benton County

In Benton County, the median construction year is 1985. About 4% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 12.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 165 4% -16.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 123 3% -33.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 195 4.8% -29.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 660 16.1% 1.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 665 16.3% 1.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 443 10.8% -21.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 431 10.5% -4.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 724 17.7% 6.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 529 12.9% 44.5%
Built in 2020 or later 156 3.8% 119.7%
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 County occupancy rates

Out of the 3,074 occupied housing units in Benton County, 86% are owner-occupied, while 14% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 24.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
3,074
1.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
431
Owner occupied
2,643
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 431 14% -14.8%
Owner occupied 2,643 86% 4.8%
Unoccupied housing units
24.9%
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 County housing costs

Housing costs in Benton County come to a median of $700 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $731.

Median housing costs per month
$700/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 County
$731/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 County

Benton County education at a glance

About 48% of the population in Benton County went to high school, while 22.6% pursued college studies. Another 9.2% earned an associate degree and 7.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 521 8.7% 5.9%
High school diploma 2,873 48% -1.4%
College diploma 1,352 22.6% -5.2%
Associate degree 548 9.2% 3.0%
Bachelor's degree 433 7.2% 13.3%
Graduate degree 264 4.4% -4.7%
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 County

How much people earn in Benton County

The average annual household income in Benton County was $59,331 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $46,016, reflecting a +9.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Benton County
$59,331/year
6.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Benton County
$46,016/year
9.2% year-over-year change

Benton County income by age

In Benton County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $55,471. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,035 overall. Overall, 78.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $55,471 19.6%
45 - 64 $59,035 21.1%
Over 65 $32,281 -10.9%
Above poverty level
5,861
Below poverty level
1,595
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 5,861 78.6% -4.6%
Below poverty level 1,595 21.4% 23.1%

Employment in Benton County

Workforce and job types in Benton County

The job market in Benton County is powered by 3,248 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 55.5% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 44.5% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.2% run their own businesses, 74.3% are employed by private companies, and 18.5% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
3,248
1.2% year-over-year change
White collar
1,802
Blue collar
1,446
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,802 55.5% 3.0%
Blue collar 1,446 44.5% -0.9%
Employer type
Self employees
3.2%
Private companies
74.3%
Governmental workers
18.5%
Not for profit companies
4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 104 3.2% -45.0%
Private companies 2,412 74.3% -1.0%
Governmental workers 601 18.5% 29.2%
Not for profit companies 131 4% 11.0%
Unemployment rate
3.1%
16.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Benton County stands at 3.1%, 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 County

How people get around in Benton County

Commuting methods vary: 95.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.7% 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 3,060 95.4% 1.1%
Walk 54 1.7% 8.0%
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 County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
38610 3,121 959 $51,675 $78,984
38629 2,028 689 $69,135 $72,048
38633 2,212 1,017 $33,029 $46,420
38642 2,126 700 $59,388 $65,563
38647 994 421 $62,820 $62,785
38659 1,999 862 $39,593 $54,133
38683 3,952 1,552 $39,107 $57,736
38603 2,530 1,174 $43,676 $62,194

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FAQs about Benton County demographics 

What is the total population of Benton County?

Benton County has a total population of 7,589 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 -0.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Benton County?

The gender ratio in Benton County is as follows:
  • 49% males (3,721 residents)
  • 51% females (3,868 residents)

What is the median age in Benton County?

The median age in Benton County is 44.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Benton County?

The age distribution in Benton County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18.1% (1,376 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10% (755 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.3% (1,690 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.7% (2,175 residents)
  • Over 65: 21% (1,593 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Benton County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton County is as follows:
  • White: 60.8% (4,613 residents)
  • Black or African American: 34.5% (2,616 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (7 residents)
  • Asian: 0.3% (25 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.4% (181 residents)
  • Other: 1.9% (147 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.1% of the population in Benton County.

How many housing units are there in Benton County?

There are 4,091 housing units in Benton County, reflecting a -0.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Benton County has a total of 3,074 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Benton County?

Benton County has a median household income of $46,016, representing a +9.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 96.9% in Benton County, with a workforce of 3,248 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 55.5% (1,802 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 44.5% (1,446 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.2% (104 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.3% (2,412 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 18.5% (601 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4% (131 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