Benton County, Mississippi Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Mississippi
The population of Benton County, Mississippi is 7,592 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Mississippi. The median household income is $42,139, the median home value is $109,300, and the median age is 43.9.
The population of Benton County has declined 13.0% since 2010 (8,696 → 7,566), a -0.99% annualized rate.
7,592
Population
-0.99%
Annual growth
19
People / sq mi
$42,139
Median Income
$109,300
Median Home Value
Benton County covers 407 sq mi of land at 18.7 people per square mile.
About Benton County, MS
Remote work is unusually rare in Benton County: 1.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the 14.0% national rate. With 7,592 residents, Benton County is a county in Mississippi.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $42,139, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Housing is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $109,300, with typical rent around $729.
Benton County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.1% — below the national 35.0%. Almost everyone commutes — only 1.9% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 38 minutes each way.
Benton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benton County had a population of 8,696 in 2010 and 7,566 in 2024, a -13.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 8,720 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.97%.
7,566
Population (2024)
8,696
Population (2010)
8,720
Peak (2011)
-0.97%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 8,696 |
| 2011 | 8,720 |
| 2012 | 8,651 |
| 2013 | 8,503 |
| 2014 | 8,305 |
| 2015 | 8,164 |
| 2016 | 8,246 |
| 2017 | 8,267 |
| 2018 | 8,234 |
| 2019 | 8,278 |
| 2020 | 7,669 |
| 2021 | 7,645 |
| 2022 | 7,574 |
| 2023 | 7,491 |
| 2024 | 7,566 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 60.8% |
| Black or African American | 34.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
43.9
Median Age
50.5%
Female
49.5%
Male
21.3%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.9% · Seniors (65+): 21.3%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $42,139$-12,776 vs state |
| Mean household income | $55,959 |
| Per-capita income | $23,870 |
| Poverty rate | 10.3%-4.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 1.4% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.2% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benton County is professional & business services, accounting for 18.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.6%
Carpool
88.7%
Public transit
1.9%
Work from home
37.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$109,300$-52,100 vs state
Median home value
$729
Median rent
83.3%
Homeownership rate
4,100
Total housing units
73.8%
Occupied
26.2%
Vacant
16.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.7%
With health insurance
84.7%
With broadband internet
28.2%
Foreign-born
6.1%
Veterans (18+)
23.3%
With a disability
93.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.9%
High School+
12.1%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Mississippi
Other counties in Mississippi
Part of Mississippi
Metro areas in Mississippi
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County, Mississippi has a population of 7,592 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Mississippi. Population density is 19 people per square mile.
The population of Benton County has declined 13.0% since 2010 (8,696 → 7,566), a -0.99% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benton County, Mississippi is $42,139, with mean (average) household income of $55,959 and per-capita income of $23,870. 10.3% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (60.8%), Black or African American (34.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Benton County, Mississippi is 43.9 years. Residents are 50.5% female and 49.5% male.
The median home value in Benton County is $109,300 and median monthly rent is $729. 83.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 4,100 total housing units, 26.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benton County, Mississippi is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 18.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 1.4%.
Jackson is among the largest cities associated with Benton County, Mississippi, with a population of 149,827.
Benton County, MS Climate
Benton County, MS has an average annual temperature of 15.5°C (60°F) and receives about 1441 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.5°C
Avg Temp
1441
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 38° | 117 mm |
| February | 6° / 43° | 117 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 153 mm |
| April | 16° / 60° | 141 mm |
| May | 20° / 68° | 138 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 105 mm |
| July | 26° / 79° | 116 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 86 mm |
| September | 22° / 72° | 96 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 86 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 141 mm |
| December | 6° / 42° | 145 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, MS
The most comfortable months to visit Benton County, MS are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March 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.