Benton County, Washington Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 10th-largest in Washington
The population of Benton County, Washington is 210,224 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 10th-largest county in Washington. The median household income is $87,316, the median home value is $369,400, and the median age is 36.2.
The population of Benton County has grown 23.6% since 2010 (176,467 → 218,190), a +1.53% annualized rate.
210,224
Population
+1.53%
Annual growth
124
People / sq mi
$87,316
Median Income
$369,400
Median Home Value
Benton County covers 1,700 sq mi of land at 123.7 people per square mile.
About Benton County, WA
Housing cost is the defining feature of Benton County: the median home is valued at $369,400. With 210,224 residents, Benton County is a county in Washington. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in Washington in the country, at #10 by population.
Income is a real outlier — the median household pulls in $87,316, putting Benton County near the top of US counties. About 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Real estate commands a premium here — a median home value of $369,400, with typical rent around $1,256.
College attainment is above the local norm at 33.0%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the higher side at 11.6%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 22 minutes each way.
High housing values reframe the income picture in Benton County — even solid earnings stretch less against home prices and rents at this level.
Benton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Benton County had a population of 176,467 in 2010 and 218,190 in 2024, a 23.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 218,190 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 1.53%.
218,190
Population (2024)
176,467
Population (2010)
218,190
Peak (2024)
1.53%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 176,467 |
| 2011 | 180,449 |
| 2012 | 182,400 |
| 2013 | 184,362 |
| 2014 | 186,535 |
| 2015 | 190,282 |
| 2016 | 193,573 |
| 2017 | 198,229 |
| 2018 | 201,174 |
| 2019 | 204,173 |
| 2020 | 207,426 |
| 2021 | 210,627 |
| 2022 | 212,838 |
| 2023 | 215,445 |
| 2024 | 218,190 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 72.3% |
| Black or African American | 1.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.2
Median Age
49.6%
Female
50.4%
Male
15.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 21.8% · Seniors (65+): 15.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $87,316$-7,636 vs state |
| Mean household income | $111,832 |
| Per-capita income | $41,588 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%+2.0% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Benton County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
1.1%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
75.0%
Public transit
11.6%
Work from home
22.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$369,400$-150,400 vs state
Median home value
$1,256
Median rent
68.5%
Homeownership rate
81,792
Total housing units
93.8%
Occupied
6.2%
Vacant
31.5%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.5%
With health insurance
96.1%
With broadband internet
34.7%
Foreign-born
7.8%
Veterans (18+)
14.4%
With a disability
78.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
89.9%
High School+
33.0%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Washington
Other counties in Washington
Part of Washington
Metro areas in Washington
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County, Washington has a population of 210,224 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 10th-largest county in Washington. Population density is 124 people per square mile.
The population of Benton County has grown 23.6% since 2010 (176,467 → 218,190), a +1.53% annualized rate.
The median household income in Benton County, Washington is $87,316, with mean (average) household income of $111,832 and per-capita income of $41,588. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Benton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (72.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.7%), Black or African American (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Benton County, Washington is 36.2 years. Residents are 49.6% female and 50.4% male.
The median home value in Benton County is $369,400 and median monthly rent is $1,256. 68.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 81,792 total housing units, 6.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Benton County, Washington is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.1%.
Seattle is among the largest cities associated with Benton County, Washington, with a population of 741,440.
More from Washington
Population 2,262,713
Population 924,106
Population 834,648
Population 544,323
Full rankings of Washington counties
Statewide data for Washington
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Washington
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.