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Population Review

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.

Benton County within Arkansas · Source: US Census TIGER/Line via us-atlas

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

Benton County is a county in Arkansas with a population of 294,541. It ranks #2 among counties in Arkansas by population. The median age is 35.8, younger than the national median. The population is 50.2% male and 49.8% female.

The median household income in Benton County is $89,879, above the US median of $74,580. 5.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $285,100, with monthly rent averaging $1,193. The homeownership rate of 67.2% is close to the national rate of 64.8%.

Educational attainment in Benton County reflects 36.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 14.6% of workers primarily work from home, similar to the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 21.1 minutes each way.

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%.

2024 · 322K20102024

321,566

Population (2024)

222,601

Population (2010)

321,566

Peak (2024)

2.66%

Avg Annual Growth

YearPopulation
2010222,601
2011229,208
2012235,010
2013239,559
2014244,962
2015251,759
2016259,497
2017266,882
2018272,560
2019279,835
2020286,621
2021294,168
2022303,558
2023312,248
2024321,566

Race & Ethnicity

White66.0%
Black or African American1.8%
Asian0.0%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)3.6%
Two or More Races0.0%

Age & Sex

35.8

Median Age

49.8%

Female

50.2%

Male

13.7%

Age 65+

Age Distribution

Under 5
6.7%
5–9
7.8%
10–14
6.8%
15–19
6.9%
20–24
5.8%
25–34
14.7%
35–44
14.8%
45–54
12.2%
55–59
5.6%
60–64
5.1%
65–74
8.1%
75–84
4.1%
85+
1.5%

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 rate5.7%-5.8% vs state
Unemployment rate2.1%
Employment-to-population64.5%

Top Industries by Employment

Professional & business services
17.6%
Manufacturing
11.9%
Finance & real estate
10.7%
Construction
8.0%
Education & health care
7.6%
Retail trade
5.9%
Arts, entertainment & food
4.9%
Information
4.9%

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.

Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.