Benton County, Tennessee Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Tennessee
The population of Benton County, Tennessee is 15,948 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Tennessee. The median household income is $50,435, the median home value is $123,400, and the median age is 47.5.
The population of Benton County has declined 2.0% since 2010 (16,510 → 16,173), a -0.15% annualized rate.
15,948
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
40
People / sq mi
$50,435
Median Income
$123,400
Median Home Value
Benton County covers 394 sq mi of land at 40.4 people per square mile.
About Benton County, TN
Benton County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 15,948. It ranks #77 among counties in Tennessee by population. The median age is 47.5, older than the national median. The population is 49.1% male and 50.9% female.
The median household income in Benton County is $50,435, below the US median of $74,580. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $123,400, with monthly rent averaging $788. The homeownership rate of 74.7% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Benton County reflects 12.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 25.7 minutes each way.
Benton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benton County had a population of 16,510 in 2010 and 16,173 in 2024, a -2.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 16,531 in 2011. Average annual growth rate: -0.14%.
16,173
Population (2024)
16,510
Population (2010)
16,531
Peak (2011)
-0.14%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 16,510 |
| 2011 | 16,531 |
| 2012 | 16,447 |
| 2013 | 16,363 |
| 2014 | 16,201 |
| 2015 | 16,224 |
| 2016 | 16,094 |
| 2017 | 15,989 |
| 2018 | 16,253 |
| 2019 | 16,199 |
| 2020 | 15,853 |
| 2021 | 15,836 |
| 2022 | 16,001 |
| 2023 | 16,167 |
| 2024 | 16,173 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 92.5% |
| Black or African American | 1.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.5% |
Age & Sex
47.5
Median Age
50.9%
Female
49.1%
Male
23.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.7% · Seniors (65+): 23.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $50,435$-16,662 vs state |
| Mean household income | $63,604 |
| Per-capita income | $28,169 |
| Poverty rate | 12.9%+3.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benton County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
84.0%
Public transit
5.3%
Work from home
25.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$123,400$-133,400 vs state
Median home value
$788
Median rent
74.7%
Homeownership rate
8,544
Total housing units
81.1%
Occupied
18.9%
Vacant
25.3%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.9%
With health insurance
90.5%
With broadband internet
36.0%
Foreign-born
6.5%
Veterans (18+)
24.4%
With a disability
98.6%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.2%
High School+
12.4%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Tennessee
Other counties in Tennessee
Part of Tennessee
Metro areas in Tennessee
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County, Tennessee has a population of 15,948 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Tennessee. Population density is 40 people per square mile.
The population of Benton County has declined 2.0% since 2010 (16,510 → 16,173), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benton County, Tennessee is $50,435, with mean (average) household income of $63,604 and per-capita income of $28,169. 12.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (92.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), 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, Tennessee is 47.5 years. Residents are 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
The median home value in Benton County is $123,400 and median monthly rent is $788. 74.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,544 total housing units, 18.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benton County, Tennessee is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Nashville-Davidson is among the largest cities associated with Benton County, Tennessee, with a population of 684,298.
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Full rankings of Tennessee counties
Statewide data for Tennessee
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Tennessee
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.