Benton, Polk County, TN demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,560
15.6% year-over-year change
Median household income
$29,414/yr
-16.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
707
9.4% year-over-year change

Benton population

How many people live in Benton

Benton is home to 1,560 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.8% of Benton locals are male, and 57.2% are female.

Total population
1,560
15.6% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.8%
667
Female
57.2%
893
Value Percent YoY change
Male 667 42.8% 7.2%
Female 893 57.2% 22.8%
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 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.4% are children under 15, then 17.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 23.4% of the population, while another 26.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.4%
15 to 24
17.4%
25 to 44
23.4%
45 to 64
26.1%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 272 17.4% 28.3%
15 to 24 272 17.4% 11.0%
25 to 44 365 23.4% 6.4%
45 to 64 407 26.1% 31.7%
Over 65 244 15.6% 1.7%
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, 99.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.3% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.1% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 5.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.3%
Non-citizens
0.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,553 99.6% 15.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.3% -16.7%
Non-citizens 2 0.1% -33.3%
Racial breakdown
White
92.6%
Black or African American
1.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.3%
Other
0.4%
Value Percent
White 1,444 92.6%
Black or African American 27 1.7%
Two or more races 83 5.3%
Other 6 0.4%

Households in Benton

A peek inside Benton households

Benton has 625 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 61.6% are families, while the remaining 38.4% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
625
15.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
240
Family households
385
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 240 38.4% 5.7%
Family households 385 61.6% 23.0%
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 707 units, with 48% 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 24.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
707
9.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 339 48%
2 units 29 4.1%
3 or 4 units 37 5.2%
5 to 9 units 116 16.4%
20 to 49 units 12 1.7%
Mobile home 171 24.2%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 3 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
13
225.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Benton

In Benton, the median construction year is 1986. About 4.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.8% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 11.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 33 4.7% 13.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 20 2.8% -4.8%
Built between 1950 and 1959 54 7.6% -6.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 63 8.9% 12.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 120 17% -11.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 107 15.1% 143.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 71 10% -28.3%
Built between 2000 and 2009 147 20.8% 4.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 79 11.2% 36.2%
Built in 2020 or later 13 1.8% 225.0%
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 625 occupied housing units in Benton, 50.6% are owner-occupied, while 49.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.6% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
625
15.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
309
Owner occupied
316
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 309 49.4% 38.6%
Owner occupied 316 50.6% -0.3%
Unoccupied housing units
11.6%
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 $575 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $472.

Median housing costs per month
$575/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
$472/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 61.4% of the population in Benton went to high school, while 20.7% pursued college studies. Another 2.7% earned an associate degree and 9.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 47 3.8% 42.4%
High school diploma 763 61.4% 16.1%
College diploma 257 20.7% 8.4%
Associate degree 34 2.7% -49.2%
Bachelor's degree 117 9.4% 23.2%
Graduate degree 25 2% 13.6%
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 $52,227 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $29,414, reflecting a -16% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Benton
$52,227/year
-4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Benton
$29,414/year
-16.0% 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 $53,542. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $59,063 overall. Overall, 77.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $53,542 23.3%
45 - 64 $59,063 5.0%
Over 65 $17,091 -17.6%
Above poverty level
1,062
Below poverty level
315
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,062 77.1% 5.4%
Below poverty level 315 22.9% 85.3%

Average renter income in Benton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Benton, their median household income was $17,576 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$17,576
Rent-to-income ratio
32.2%
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 528 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 58.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 41.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.6% run their own businesses, 78.8% are employed by private companies, and 13.8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
528
6.7% year-over-year change
White collar
307
Blue collar
221
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 307 58.1% 5.9%
Blue collar 221 41.9% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
3.6%
Private companies
78.8%
Governmental workers
13.8%
Not for profit companies
3.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 19 3.6% 216.7%
Private companies 416 78.8% 0.5%
Governmental workers 73 13.8% 28.1%
Not for profit companies 20 3.8% 11.1%
Unemployment rate
10.0%
15.7% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Benton stands at 10%, 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: 95.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.4% 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 503 95.8% 8.9%
Walk 2 0.4% -33.3%
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
37307 5,302 2,127 $73,854 $98,020

Explore more communities

FAQs about Benton demographics 

What is the total population of Benton?

Benton has a total population of 1,560 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 +15.6% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Benton?

The gender ratio in Benton is as follows:
  • 42.8% males (667 residents)
  • 57.2% females (893 residents)

What is the median age in Benton?

The median age in Benton is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Benton?

The age distribution in Benton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.4% (272 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.4% (272 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 23.4% (365 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.1% (407 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (244 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Benton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Benton is as follows:
  • White: 92.6% (1,444 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.7% (27 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.3% (83 residents)
  • Other: 0.4% (6 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.6% of the population in Benton.

How many housing units are there in Benton?

There are 707 housing units in Benton, reflecting a +9.4% 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 625 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Benton?

Benton has a median household income of $29,414, representing a -16.0% 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 90% in Benton, with a workforce of 528 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 58.1% (307 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 41.9% (221 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.6% (19 residents)
  • Private companies: 78.8% (416 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.8% (73 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.8% (20 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