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
Educational attainment is the headline number in Benton County: 12.4% of adults 25 and older have a four-year degree. Benton County is a county in Tennessee with a population of 15,948.
The typical household earns $50,435, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty sits at 12.9%, close to the national 12.4%. Homes are comparatively cheap — a median value of $123,400, with typical rent around $788.
Benton County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.4% — below the national 35.0%. Just 5.3% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 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.
Benton County, TN Climate
Benton County, TN has an average annual temperature of 14.5°C (58°F) and receives about 1370 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
14.5°C
Avg Temp
1370
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 2° / 36° | 102 mm |
| February | 4° / 40° | 116 mm |
| March | 9° / 49° | 141 mm |
| April | 14° / 58° | 123 mm |
| May | 19° / 66° | 131 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 105 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 113 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 92 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 100 mm |
| October | 15° / 59° | 84 mm |
| November | 10° / 49° | 125 mm |
| December | 5° / 40° | 138 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, TN
The most comfortable months to visit Benton County, TN 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 -4°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.