CountyScore

Benton County

Arkansas · AR

#66 in Arkansas
66.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Benton County, Arkansas

Above average despite state headwinds

Benton County scores 66.2, still 16 points above the national median of 50.0 and solidly in the upper half nationally. However, it ranks below Arkansas's state average of 70.3, suggesting that regional competition is stiffer than the national picture indicates.

Lowest ranked of the eight counties

Benton County places last among the eight featured Arkansas counties, the only one below the state average of 70.3. Its lower composite score reflects trade-offs in cost and risk that offset higher incomes and health metrics.

Highest incomes and best health

Benton County leads all eight counties with a median household income of $89,879 (income score 42.0) and near-best health outcomes at 71.6. It also shows the lowest risk exposure (11.3), suggesting safer neighborhoods and environments.

High costs offset economic gains

Housing affordability is the weakest among these counties, with a cost score of 67.7, median home values at $285,100, and rent at $1,193/month. These elevated costs significantly dampen overall livability and partially explain the lower composite score despite strong incomes.

For higher-earning families seeking growth

Benton County suits professionals and families with above-average incomes who value safety, health amenities, and career growth over affordability. It's a magnet for those able to afford higher housing costs in exchange for better schools, jobs, and community services.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax85.2Cost67.7SafetyComing SoonHealth71.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome42Risk11.3WaterComing Soon
🏛85.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼42
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤71.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡11.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Benton County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Phillips County
Arkansas
66.2
Median income: $38,874
Sumter County
Florida
66.2
Median income: $73,297
Carroll County
Georgia
66.2
Median income: $72,327
Plaquemines Parish
Louisiana
66.2
Median income: $82,874
Queen Anne's County
Maryland
66.2
Median income: $113,347

Deep Dives

Benton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Benton County

via TaxByCounty

Benton County matches national rates

At 0.607%, Benton County's effective tax rate runs 23% higher than the national median of 0.495%, though it falls short of the highest-taxed counties nationwide. With a median home value of $285,100—essentially at the national average—residents pay $1,731 annually, just 36% below the national median of $2,690.

Second-highest rate in Arkansas

Benton County ranks second among these eight counties with a 0.607% effective rate, just behind Ashley County (0.610%) and significantly above Arkansas's state average of 0.532%. The county's higher property values mean larger absolute tax bills despite rates typical for prosperous areas.

The premium among county peers

Benton County's 0.607% rate exceeds all nearby counties, including Boone County (0.534%) and Carroll County (0.526%), though its median home value of $285,100 reflects its status as the wealthiest county in this comparison. This combination creates the highest median tax bill ($1,731) of all eight counties.

Your estimated annual tax bill

On a median home valued at $285,100, a Benton County homeowner pays approximately $1,731 per year. Mortgage holders typically see $1,838 in annual escrow payments.

Substantial appeal savings await

At Benton County's median tax bill of $1,731, even a 10% reduction from a successful appeal saves $173 annually—over $1,700 in a decade. Request a formal reassessment if your property's market value has declined or if comparable homes are assessed lower.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Benton County

via CostByCounty

Benton County: High Earners, Manageable Rents

Benton County's median household income of $89,879 dramatically exceeds the national average of $74,755, making the 15.9% rent-to-income ratio feel comfortable despite $1,193 monthly rent. Higher wages here absorb elevated housing costs more easily than in lower-income counties.

Arkansas's Most Affluent County

Benton County leads all eight counties in income and ranks among Arkansas's strongest economic engines, with a rent-to-income ratio of 15.9% against the state average of 18.1%. This outperformance reflects robust job growth and professional opportunities throughout the region.

Premium Pricing for Premium Wages

Benton County's $1,193 rent substantially exceeds nearby counties—more than $375 above Boone County ($715) and $375 above Carroll County ($818)—yet household income justifies the premium. Median home values of $285,100 position this as the region's luxury housing market.

Income Cushions Housing Costs

Renters allocate $1,193 monthly to housing while owners pay $1,246, a narrow margin reflecting an expensive but balanced market. With median income of $89,879 annually, housing consumes just 16% of total earnings, leaving ample resources for savings and discretionary spending.

Benton County: Premium Housing, Strong Incomes

Relocating to Benton County makes sense if you're pursuing high-wage employment or can command similar income remotely—housing costs scale up, but so do opportunities. This county rewards ambitious professionals seeking dynamic job markets alongside manageable housing burdens.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Benton County

via IncomeByCounty

Benton County powers ahead nationally

At $89,879, Benton County's median household income exceeds the national median of $74,755 by $15,124, ranking among the nation's stronger earners. This puts the county in the top quartile of U.S. counties, driven by robust regional economic growth.

Arkansas's top-earning county stands out

Benton County's $89,879 median household income towers $38,723 above Arkansas's state average of $51,156, making it the economic engine of the state. This commanding advantage reflects concentrated business investment, tech sector growth, and high-wage employers.

Dramatically outearns surrounding counties

Benton County's $89,879 income vastly exceeds nearby Carroll County ($55,187) and Boone County ($54,195) by $35,000+. The disparity illustrates Benton's unique position as a regional economic powerhouse and job creation hub.

Strong income supports stable homeownership

At 15.9% of household income, Benton County's rent-to-income ratio remains well within healthy affordability ranges despite a median home value of $285,100. The county's higher incomes successfully offset elevated housing costs.

Leverage high earnings for wealth building

Benton County residents earning above national average incomes can aggressively fund retirement accounts, investment portfolios, and college savings plans. Consider maxing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 annually for 2024) and diversifying into index funds or real estate for compounding returns.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Benton County

via HealthByCounty

Tops national life expectancy averages

Benton County residents live an average of 78.2 years, nearly 2 years longer than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Only 16.9% report poor or fair health, better than the national average of 17.3%, reflecting one of Arkansas's healthiest populations. Benton stands as a model for health outcomes statewide.

The state's health outcome leader

Benton County's 78.2-year life expectancy exceeds Arkansas's state average of 72.3 years by nearly 6 years—the largest margin among major counties. Despite a 10.6% uninsured rate slightly above the state average, residents benefit from robust healthcare infrastructure and strong preventive care networks. Benton is Arkansas's healthiest county.

Dramatically outpacing all peers

Benton County's 78.2-year life expectancy far exceeds every comparison county: Baxter (74.2), Boone (74.2), Carroll (75.3), Arkansas (68.7), Ashley (70.9), and Bradley (71.5). With 60 primary care providers and 253 mental health providers per 100,000 residents, Benton combines longevity with exceptional healthcare access.

Excellent access supports healthy living

Benton County's 10.6% uninsured rate affects roughly one in ten residents, yet those with coverage enjoy abundant providers. With 60 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 253 mental health specialists per 100,000, residents can find appointments quickly and access preventive, mental health, and specialty care.

Maintain Benton's health advantage

Ensure your family stays covered by checking marketplace options at healthcare.gov or reviewing employer plans annually. Even in Arkansas's healthiest county, staying insured helps you access the preventive care that keeps you well.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Benton County

via RiskByCounty

Benton County faces elevated risk

Benton County's composite risk score of 88.74 significantly exceeds national averages, earning it a "relatively moderate" rating despite being above-average in the nation. This county faces notable exposure across multiple hazard types.

Highest-risk county in Arkansas

At 88.74, Benton County ranks as Arkansas's most at-risk county, far exceeding the state average of 55.51. Its position in northwest Arkansas exposes it to concentrated flood, wildfire, and severe weather hazards.

Significantly riskier than neighbors

Benton County's 88.74 dwarfs Carroll County's 64.57 and Baxter County's 72.30, making it substantially riskier than surrounding Ozark region counties. Only a few Arkansas counties approach Benton's risk profile.

Flood and wildfire are paramount

Flood risk of 90.43 is Benton County's most pressing hazard, reflecting the county's river valleys and urban development patterns. Wildfire risk of 92.78 ranks nearly as high, with forested areas and expanding suburbs creating ignition and exposure risk.

Flood and fire insurance non-negotiable

Separate flood insurance is essential given the 90.43 flood score; standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Invest in fire-resistant roofing and landscaping, maintain evacuation plans, and ensure comprehensive coverage for both flood and wildfire scenarios.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS — informational only.