Benton County, Arkansas Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 2nd-largest in Arkansas
The population of Benton County, Arkansas is 294,541 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 2nd-largest county in Arkansas. The median household income is $89,879, the median home value is $285,100, and the median age is 35.8.
The population of Benton County has grown 44.5% since 2010 (222,601 → 321,566), a +2.66% annualized rate.
294,541
Population
+2.66%
Annual growth
347
People / sq mi
$89,879
Median Income
$285,100
Median Home Value
Benton County covers 848 sq mi of land at 347.4 people per square mile.
About Benton County, AR
What sets Benton County apart is money: median household income runs $89,879, above the US median of $78,538. Benton County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 294,541. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Arkansas in the country, at #2 by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $89,879, putting Benton County near the top of US counties. Only 5.7% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Home values run above average at $285,100, with typical rent around $1,193.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 36.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. A solid 14.6% of workers are based at home, close to the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 21 minutes each way.
Taken together, the income and housing figures place Benton County firmly in the higher-cost, higher-earning tier of US counties — a profile that tends to track dense job markets and competitive housing.
Benton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benton County had a population of 222,601 in 2010 and 321,566 in 2024, a 44.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 321,566 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.66%.
321,566
Population (2024)
222,601
Population (2010)
321,566
Peak (2024)
2.66%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 222,601 |
| 2011 | 229,208 |
| 2012 | 235,010 |
| 2013 | 239,559 |
| 2014 | 244,962 |
| 2015 | 251,759 |
| 2016 | 259,497 |
| 2017 | 266,882 |
| 2018 | 272,560 |
| 2019 | 279,835 |
| 2020 | 286,621 |
| 2021 | 294,168 |
| 2022 | 303,558 |
| 2023 | 312,248 |
| 2024 | 321,566 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.0% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
35.8
Median Age
49.8%
Female
50.2%
Male
13.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.3% · Seniors (65+): 13.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $89,879+$31,106 vs state |
| Mean household income | $121,779 |
| Per-capita income | $45,335 |
| Poverty rate | 5.7%-5.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 64.5% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benton County is professional & business services, accounting for 17.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.1%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
75.5%
Public transit
14.6%
Work from home
21.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$285,100+$109,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,193
Median rent
67.2%
Homeownership rate
118,496
Total housing units
90.9%
Occupied
9.1%
Vacant
32.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.2%
With health insurance
96.5%
With broadband internet
45.8%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
10.2%
With a disability
84.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.6%
High School+
36.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Arkansas
Other counties in Arkansas
Part of Arkansas
Metro areas in Arkansas
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County, Arkansas has a population of 294,541 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 2nd-largest county in Arkansas. Population density is 347 people per square mile.
The population of Benton County has grown 44.5% since 2010 (222,601 → 321,566), a +2.66% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benton County, Arkansas is $89,879, with mean (average) household income of $121,779 and per-capita income of $45,335. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (66.0%), Hispanic or Latino (3.6%), Black or African American (1.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Benton County, Arkansas is 35.8 years. Residents are 49.8% female and 50.2% male.
The median home value in Benton County is $285,100 and median monthly rent is $1,193. 67.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 118,496 total housing units, 9.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benton County, Arkansas is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 17.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.1%.
Little Rock is among the largest cities associated with Benton County, Arkansas, with a population of 202,739.
Benton County, AR Climate
Benton County, AR has an average annual temperature of 13.9°C (57°F) and receives about 1160 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
13.9°C
Avg Temp
1160
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 1° / 34° | 52 mm |
| February | 4° / 39° | 60 mm |
| March | 9° / 48° | 105 mm |
| April | 14° / 57° | 111 mm |
| May | 18° / 65° | 129 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 121 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 80 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 88 mm |
| September | 21° / 70° | 125 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 99 mm |
| November | 8° / 47° | 111 mm |
| December | 3° / 38° | 79 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Benton County, AR
The most comfortable months to visit Benton County, AR are typically September, June and August, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -5°C low). May is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Benton County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.