Benton County, Missouri Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 55th-largest in Missouri
The population of Benton County, Missouri is 19,887 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 55th-largest county in Missouri. The median household income is $52,200, the median home value is $164,700, and the median age is 54.4.
The population of Benton County has grown 7.9% since 2010 (19,109 → 20,614), a +0.54% annualized rate.
19,887
Population
+0.54%
Annual growth
28
People / sq mi
$52,200
Median Income
$164,700
Median Home Value
Benton County covers 704 sq mi of land at 28.2 people per square mile.
About Benton County, MO
Benton County is a county in Missouri with a population of 19,887. It ranks #55 among counties in Missouri by population. The median age is 54.4, older than the national median. The population is 50.9% male and 49.1% female.
The median household income in Benton County is $52,200, below the US median of $74,580. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $164,700, with monthly rent averaging $823. The homeownership rate of 83.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Benton County reflects 15.2% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.0% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 30.7 minutes each way.
Benton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benton County had a population of 19,109 in 2010 and 20,614 in 2024, a 7.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 20,614 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.55%.
20,614
Population (2024)
19,109
Population (2010)
20,614
Peak (2024)
0.55%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 19,109 |
| 2011 | 19,046 |
| 2012 | 19,006 |
| 2013 | 18,960 |
| 2014 | 18,900 |
| 2015 | 18,815 |
| 2016 | 18,947 |
| 2017 | 19,097 |
| 2018 | 19,377 |
| 2019 | 19,477 |
| 2020 | 19,425 |
| 2021 | 19,940 |
| 2022 | 20,216 |
| 2023 | 20,560 |
| 2024 | 20,614 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.1% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.1% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.2% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
54.4
Median Age
49.1%
Female
50.9%
Male
31.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 13.6% · Seniors (65+): 31.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $52,200$-16,720 vs state |
| Mean household income | $68,388 |
| Per-capita income | $30,994 |
| Poverty rate | 11.9%+3.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 42.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benton County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
2.5%
Carpool
79.8%
Public transit
5.0%
Work from home
30.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$164,700$-50,900 vs state
Median home value
$823
Median rent
83.7%
Homeownership rate
13,579
Total housing units
60.1%
Occupied
39.9%
Vacant
16.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.4%
With health insurance
88.0%
With broadband internet
33.5%
Foreign-born
12.7%
Veterans (18+)
24.2%
With a disability
98.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.1%
High School+
15.2%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Missouri
Other counties in Missouri
Part of Missouri
Metro areas in Missouri
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County, Missouri has a population of 19,887 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 55th-largest county in Missouri. Population density is 28 people per square mile.
The population of Benton County has grown 7.9% since 2010 (19,109 → 20,614), a +0.54% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benton County, Missouri is $52,200, with mean (average) household income of $68,388 and per-capita income of $30,994. 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.1%), Hispanic or Latino (2.2%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Benton County, Missouri is 54.4 years. Residents are 49.1% female and 50.9% male.
The median home value in Benton County is $164,700 and median monthly rent is $823. 83.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 13,579 total housing units, 39.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benton County, Missouri is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.7%.
Kansas City is among the largest cities associated with Benton County, Missouri, with a population of 508,233.
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Statewide data for Missouri
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Missouri
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.