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 skews on age — the median resident is 54.4, older than the national median. With 19,887 residents, Benton County is a county in Missouri.
The typical household earns $52,200, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level, close to the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $164,700, with typical rent around $823.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 15.2% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.0% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 31 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Benton County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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.
Benton County, MO Climate
Benton County, MO has an average annual temperature of 12.8°C (55°F) and receives about 1050 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
12.8°C
Avg Temp
1050
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -2° / 29° | 39 mm |
| February | 2° / 35° | 46 mm |
| March | 7° / 45° | 83 mm |
| April | 13° / 55° | 103 mm |
| May | 18° / 64° | 130 mm |
| June | 23° / 73° | 115 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 94 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 93 mm |
| September | 20° / 69° | 108 mm |
| October | 14° / 57° | 97 mm |
| November | 7° / 45° | 84 mm |
| December | 1° / 34° | 58 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, MO
The most comfortable months to visit Benton County, MO 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 -7°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.