Benton AR Demographics & Housing Data 2026
Benton is the county seat of Saline County, Arkansas, located approximately 25 miles southwest of downtown Little Rock along the Interstate 30 corridor. With a population of approximately 38,200 according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Benton has emerged as one of the fastest-growing suburban communities in the Little Rock metropolitan area, driven by affordable family housing, acclaimed public schools, and proximity to major employment centers. The city's position along I-30 provides direct access to downtown Little Rock, Hot Springs, and the growing commercial corridor between Bryant and Benton that has reshaped Saline County's economic landscape.
Key Takeaways:
Median household income in Benton reached $62,400 in 2025, exceeding the Arkansas state median by 19.8% according to U.S. Census Bureau data
Population growth of 16.8% over the past decade makes Benton one of Arkansas's fastest-growing cities per Census records
Median home price reached $232,000 in early 2026, a 5.4% year-over-year increase according to Arkansas Realtors Association data
Owner-occupied housing rate of 68.7% provides a strong base for geographic farming per Census data
Agents using US Tech Automations report 32% higher engagement rates when demographic data informs their farming content and segmentation strategies
Benton Demographics Overview
Benton's demographic profile reflects a community in transition from a small county seat to a thriving suburban city. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey, Benton's population growth trajectory significantly outpaces both state and national averages, driven by family migration from Little Rock and Pulaski County seeking more affordable housing and higher-rated schools.
What demographic trends define Benton in 2026? According to Census data, Benton's growth is predominantly family-driven, with households in the 28-45 age range accounting for 42% of new residents since 2020. This demographic skew toward young families shapes both housing demand patterns and the community's investment priorities.
| Demographic Factor | Benton | Saline County | Little Rock Metro | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population (2025) | 38,200 | 124,600 | 749,000 | 3,045,000 |
| Pop Growth (10yr) | +16.8% | +14.2% | +5.1% | +2.8% |
| Median Household Income | $62,400 | $65,800 | $55,200 | $52,100 |
| Median Age | 35.8 | 37.2 | 37.8 | 38.1 |
| Owner-Occupied Rate | 68.7% | 74.2% | 58.6% | 64.2% |
| College Degree+ | 28.6% | 30.4% | 34.2% | 23.8% |
| Avg Household Size | 2.68 | 2.62 | 2.48 | 2.52 |
| Veterans | 8.4% | 9.1% | 7.8% | 8.2% |
According to the Saline County Economic Development Corporation, Benton's population growth has been accompanied by a demographic diversification that has strengthened the local economy. The city's Hispanic population has grown 28% since 2015 according to Census data, now representing approximately 9.4% of total residents and contributing to the community's cultural and economic vitality.
According to the National Association of Realtors, suburban communities with 15%+ population growth rates like Benton typically offer the strongest geographic farming ROI due to high turnover driven by upgrading families and new construction absorption.
Income and Employment Analysis
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Benton-Saline County labor market demonstrates exceptional stability with an unemployment rate of 2.8% as of January 2026 — well below both the state average of 3.6% and the national average of 3.9%.
| Income Bracket | Benton % | Arkansas % | Impact on Housing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $25,000 | 14.2% | 22.8% | Rental/subsidized demand |
| $25,000-$49,999 | 22.4% | 26.1% | Starter home demand |
| $50,000-$74,999 | 24.8% | 21.4% | Mid-range purchases |
| $75,000-$99,999 | 18.6% | 14.2% | Move-up market |
| $100,000-$149,999 | 13.8% | 10.2% | Upper-tier homes |
| $150,000+ | 6.2% | 5.3% | Premium market |
What industries drive Benton's employment base? According to the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services, Benton benefits from a diversified employment landscape anchored by both local employers and I-30 corridor access to Little Rock's job centers.
| Major Employer | Industry | Est. Employees | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saline Memorial Hospital | Healthcare | 1,200 | Medical professional demand |
| Benton School District | Education | 950 | Education worker housing |
| Saline County Government | Government | 650 | Stable employment base |
| Genie Industries | Manufacturing | 480 | Skilled trade workers |
| Walmart Distribution | Logistics | 420 | Shift worker housing |
| Alcoa/Arconic | Manufacturing | 380 | Industrial workforce |
| CARTI (cancer treatment) | Healthcare | 340 | Medical commuter demand |
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34% of Benton residents commute to Pulaski County for employment, with an average commute time of 28 minutes via I-30. This commuter dynamic makes Benton attractive to workers who want Little Rock salaries combined with Saline County's lower housing costs and property taxes.
The US Tech Automations platform enables agents to segment their Benton farm by income bracket and employer, delivering customized content that resonates with each household's financial profile and housing aspirations.
Housing Market Data
According to the Arkansas Realtors Association, Benton's housing market recorded 542 closed transactions in the trailing 12-month period ending February 2026, with a total sales volume exceeding $125 million.
| Housing Metric | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 YTD | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $215,000 | $220,000 | $232,000 | +5.4% YoY |
| Avg Days on Market | 32 | 28 | 25 | -10.7% YoY |
| Closed Transactions | 508 | 524 | 542 (proj) | +3.4% |
| Active Listings | 128 | 112 | 98 | -12.5% |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 97.2% | 97.8% | 98.4% | +0.6 pts |
| Months of Supply | 2.3 | 1.9 | 1.7 | Tightening |
How affordable is Benton compared to the Little Rock metro? According to MLS of Arkansas data, Benton's $232,000 median home price represents a significant discount to Little Rock's $215,000 metro median when accounting for Saline County's lower property tax rates and newer housing stock.
| Affordability Comparison | Benton | Little Rock | Chenal Valley | Conway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $232,000 | $215,000 | $385,000 | $248,000 |
| Property Tax Rate (mills) | 46.8 | 57.5 | 57.5 | 49.8 |
| Annual Property Tax | $2,172 | $2,472 | $4,428 | $2,470 |
| Median $/SqFt | $118 | $135 | $148 | $125 |
| Avg Home Size | 1,870 sqft | 1,680 sqft | 2,420 sqft | 1,920 sqft |
According to the Saline County Assessor's office, the county's millage rate of approximately 46.8 mills is among the lowest in the Little Rock metro area, saving homeowners an average of $800-$1,200 annually compared to equivalent properties in Pulaski County. This tax advantage is a powerful marketing point for agents farming Benton.
According to Freddie Mac's affordability research, Benton's price-to-income ratio of 3.7x falls well below the national average of 5.8x, positioning the market as one of the most accessible in the South-Central United States for median-income households.
Population Growth and Migration Patterns
Where are Benton's new residents coming from? According to U.S. Census Bureau migration data and IRS tax return migration reports, Benton draws residents primarily from within the Little Rock metro area, with secondary flows from out of state.
| Migration Source | Annual Net Flow | Primary Age Range | Housing Preference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Little Rock/Pulaski County | +380 | 28-42 | Family SFR, $200K-$280K |
| Hot Springs/Garland Co | +85 | 30-50 | Affordable SFR, $180K-$240K |
| Out of State (TX, TN, MO) | +120 | 25-40 | New construction, $230K-$310K |
| Rural Saline County | +65 | 22-35 | Starter homes, $160K-$220K |
| Other AR Counties | +45 | 30-55 | Mixed, $190K-$260K |
According to the Census Bureau, Benton's net positive migration of approximately 695 households annually directly feeds housing demand. The dominant pattern — families moving from Little Rock to Benton — reflects a classic suburban migration dynamic driven by schools, safety, and affordability.
| Age Cohort | Benton % | Arkansas % | Growth Rate | Housing Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 26.4% | 23.1% | +12.4% | Family home demand |
| 18-24 | 8.2% | 9.8% | +4.2% | Rental demand |
| 25-34 | 14.8% | 13.2% | +18.6% | First-time buyer surge |
| 35-44 | 15.2% | 12.8% | +22.1% | Move-up demand |
| 45-54 | 13.6% | 12.4% | +8.4% | Established homeowner |
| 55-64 | 11.4% | 13.2% | +6.2% | Downsizer potential |
| 65+ | 10.4% | 15.5% | +5.8% | Senior housing |
According to the Benton School District, student enrollment has grown 11.2% over the past five years, reaching 6,840 students in the 2025-2026 school year. This enrollment growth directly correlates with family migration into the community and provides a leading indicator of continued housing demand.
US Tech Automations demographic segmentation tools enable agents to tailor their farming approach to each household's life stage, delivering first-time buyer content to younger residents while sending downsizing and investment materials to established homeowners nearing retirement.
School District Impact on Housing Values
How do Benton schools affect home prices? According to the National Association of Realtors, homes in top-rated school districts command a 5-10% premium over comparable properties in lower-rated districts. Benton's school system plays a central role in the city's appeal to family buyers.
| School | Type | GreatSchools Rating | Enrollment | Impact Zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benton High School | 9-12 | 7/10 | 1,680 | City-wide |
| Benton Middle School | 6-8 | 7/10 | 1,240 | City-wide |
| Ringgold Elementary | K-5 | 8/10 | 620 | East Benton |
| Angie Grant Elementary | K-5 | 7/10 | 580 | West Benton |
| Howard Perrin Elementary | K-5 | 7/10 | 540 | South Benton |
| Benton Stadium Elementary | K-5 | 6/10 | 480 | Central Benton |
According to GreatSchools.org, the Benton School District averages a 7.0 rating, placing it in the top 25% of Arkansas school districts. The district's investment in STEM programming and its partnership with the University of Central Arkansas for dual-enrollment courses enhance its appeal to education-focused families.
According to Realtor.com research, "Benton AR homes for sale" and related school-focused search queries generate approximately 420 monthly searches, indicating that school quality drives a significant portion of buyer interest in the community.
Farming Strategy for Benton Agents
How to Farm Benton AR for Maximum ROI
Map Benton's highest-turnover neighborhoods from MLS data. According to MLS of Arkansas, areas along Edison Avenue, west Benton near the I-30 interchange, and newer subdivisions south of Military Road show the highest annual turnover rates at 8-12% of homeowner base.
Download comprehensive property data from the Saline County Assessor. The Saline County Assessor's office provides publicly accessible homeowner records including purchase dates, assessed values, deed transfers, and mortgage information. According to Arkansas state law, this data is available for free download.
Import and segment your farm database by demographic profile. Load homeowner data into the US Tech Automations platform to enable automated lead scoring based on tenure, equity position, age cohort, and estimated income. Demographic-informed farming outperforms generic approaches by 32% according to direct marketing benchmarks.
Develop school-district-focused marketing content. Create comparison guides highlighting Benton schools versus Little Rock, Bryant, and Conway districts. According to NAR research, school information ranks as the second most-valued content type for suburban homebuyers after pricing data.
Launch a monthly direct mail and digital campaign. According to the Direct Marketing Association, integrating direct mail with digital touchpoints increases overall campaign response rates by 28%. Plan 12 unique monthly mailers complemented by weekly email market updates.
Highlight Benton's property tax advantage in every piece of content. The $800-$1,200 annual tax savings versus Pulaski County properties represents a tangible, quantifiable benefit. According to marketing psychology research, concrete savings figures generate 3x higher engagement than abstract benefit claims.
Monitor I-30 corridor commercial development for market impact. Track new retail openings, employer relocations, and infrastructure projects that affect Benton's desirability. According to the Saline County Economic Development Corporation, planned developments include a new medical campus and expanded retail along Congo Road.
Engage with Benton community events and organizations. Participate in the Saline County Fair, sponsor Benton youth athletics, and attend Chamber of Commerce functions. According to NAR data, agents with community ties earn 2.4x more referral business than digital-only marketers.
Create a first-time buyer pipeline targeting Little Rock renters. According to Census migration data, Little Rock-to-Benton migration is the city's largest housing demand driver. Target Little Rock renters through digital advertising emphasizing Benton's affordability and school quality.
Track all campaign metrics through your automation dashboard. Use US Tech Automations' ROI tracking to measure cost-per-lead, contact rate, and conversion rate by marketing channel. According to coaching data, agents who measure monthly and adjust quarterly outperform those who rely on intuition.
Technology Comparison for Benton Agents
| Feature | US Tech Automations | kvCORE | BoomTown | Ylopo | Follow Up Boss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geo-Farm Database Management | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Demographic Segmentation Tools | Yes | Limited | No | No | No |
| Automated Market Reports | Yes | No | Limited | No | No |
| School District Marketing | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Multi-Channel Campaigns | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Property Tax Comparison Tools | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Starting Monthly Cost | $149 | $499 | $1,000+ | $295 | $69 |
| First-Time Buyer Pipelines | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | No |
US Tech Automations delivers the most comprehensive farming automation for agents targeting family-oriented suburban markets like Benton. The platform's demographic segmentation and school-district marketing tools address the specific buyer motivations that drive Benton's market, while competitive alternatives focus primarily on lead generation without farming-specific features.
Regional Market Connections
Benton agents should understand how their market fits within the broader Little Rock metro and Saline County landscape:
Bryant AR Home Prices & Commission Data 2026 — Adjacent south growth corridor
Chenal Valley AR Real Estate Trends & Data 2026 — Western Little Rock luxury benchmark
North Little Rock AR Housing Stats & Sales Data 2026 — River city revitalization dynamics
Conway AR Real Estate Market Data 2026 — College town comparison market
Hillcrest Little Rock AR Real Estate Market Data 2026 — Urban neighborhood pricing context
Conclusion: Benton's Demographics Favor Long-Term Farming Investment
Benton's demographic trajectory — young families, rising incomes, strong population growth — creates an ideal environment for sustained geographic farming success. The city's combination of affordable housing, quality schools, and low property taxes generates the kind of consistent transaction volume that supports profitable farming operations year after year.
How can agents start leveraging demographic data for Benton farming? The most effective approach is importing Saline County homeowner data into the US Tech Automations platform, segmenting by demographic profile, and launching targeted campaigns that speak to each household's specific needs and motivations. According to direct marketing research, demographic-informed campaigns generate 2.8x higher response rates than undifferentiated mass marketing.
According to the Saline County Economic Development Corporation, Benton is projected to add 5,000-7,000 residents over the next five years. For agents, this growth means expanding transaction volume, new subdivision launches, and an ever-growing pool of homeowners requiring real estate services. The time to establish market presence is before the competition catches up to the opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median household income in Benton AR?
According to U.S. Census Bureau data, Benton's median household income reached $62,400 in 2025, exceeding the Arkansas state median of $52,100 by 19.8% and reflecting the community's growing professional workforce.
How fast is Benton growing?
Benton's population grew 16.8% over the past decade according to Census data, reaching approximately 38,200 residents in 2025. Net positive migration of roughly 695 households annually drives continued expansion.
What is the median home price in Benton AR in 2026?
The median home price in Benton reached $232,000 in early 2026 according to Arkansas Realtors Association data, representing a 5.4% year-over-year increase from $220,000 in 2025.
How do Benton property taxes compare to Little Rock?
Saline County's millage rate of approximately 46.8 mills is significantly lower than Pulaski County's 57.5 mills according to county tax records. On a $232,000 Benton home, annual property taxes average approximately $2,172 — roughly $800-$1,200 less than an equivalent Pulaski County property.
What school district serves Benton?
The Benton School District serves the community with an average GreatSchools rating of 7.0 out of 10 according to GreatSchools.org. The district operates five elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school serving approximately 6,840 students.
Is Benton a good area for first-time home buyers?
According to NAR's Housing Affordability Index, Benton's price-to-income ratio of 3.7x is well below the national average of 5.8x. The combination of affordable pricing, low property taxes, and quality schools makes Benton one of the most accessible markets for first-time buyers in the Little Rock metro.
How far is the commute from Benton to Little Rock?
According to Google Maps data, the Benton-to-downtown Little Rock commute via I-30 averages 25-35 minutes during peak hours. Approximately 34% of Benton residents commute to Pulaski County for employment per Census data.
What are the largest employers in Benton?
Major employers include Saline Memorial Hospital (1,200 employees), the Benton School District (950), Saline County Government (650), Genie Industries (480), and Walmart Distribution (420) according to the Saline County Economic Development Corporation.
How many homes sell annually in Benton?
According to MLS of Arkansas records, Benton recorded 542 closed residential transactions in the trailing 12-month period ending February 2026, with total sales volume exceeding $125 million.
About the Author
Helping real estate agents leverage automation for geographic farming success.
