Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Health & Safety
Poor air quality and the inaccessibility of certain health related facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors and pharmacies could have all contributed to the low score in this category.
Located in the state of Arkansas, Benton is a medium-sized city with a population of 36,360 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (84% White). Given that fact, Benton could be considered less diverse than other cities. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Benton your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 24 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Living in Benton can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Arkansas, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Benton and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Benton to Arkansas and the national average.
Benton has a livability score of 62 out of 100 and is ranked #162 in Arkansas and #14,813 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Benton ranks very well for cost of living (A-) and housing (A-). Benton does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and crime (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Benton, the unemployment rate stands at 2.46%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Benton apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Benton is real estate affordability. The median home price for Benton homes is $148,700, which is 29.6% higher than the Arkansas average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Benton, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 7.4% lower than the Arkansas average.
| Statistic | Benton | Arkansas | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 22min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.0% | 82.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.6% | 10.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 0.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.3% | 1.7% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.4% | 3.2% | 4.6% |
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