What to know when moving to North Little Rock, AR
Benton at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 33.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 26.1% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $86,025, offering a solid financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With 0% of residents using public transit, it's a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $985 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Benton has a population of around 30,030, characterized by a median household income of $86,025. The community is moderately educated, with 33.2% holding at least a bachelor's degree. A significant portion of the population, 26.1%, are renters, indicating a mix of ownership and rental opportunities.
Probably not your spot if you prefer public transit, as 0% of residents commute via public transportation.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $985, which is manageable for many budgets in the area.
- The median owner-occupied home value stands at $248,700, reflecting the local housing market.
- The poverty rate is 8.4%, indicating a relatively stable economic environment.
- About 26.1% of the population are renters, showing a healthy rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Arkansas, the crime rate shows some significant trends. The violent crime rate is 541.9 per 100,000 residents, which is notably higher than the national rate of 325.3. Property crime is at 1,691.2 per 100,000, also above the national average of 1,546.9. However, both rates have shown a decrease since 2022, with violent crime down 17.9% and property crime down 32.5%.
- Violent crime: 541.9 per 100k vs. national 325.3, down 17.9% since 2022.
- Property crime: 1,691.2 per 100k vs. national 1,546.9, down 32.5% since 2022.
- Notable trend: The homicide rate has decreased by 34.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Arkansas).
Weather & Getting Outside
Saline County experiences around 54 inches of precipitation annually, with approximately 98 rainy days. This means you might want to invest in some good rain gear. The area enjoys mild winters with minimal snowfall, averaging just 0.4 inches per year over about 2 snowy days.
- Parks & outdoor spots worth checking out:
- Tyndall Park - 4.5 stars (1,203 reviews)
- Mills Park - 4.6 stars (897 reviews)
- Bernard Holland Park - 4.6 stars (317 reviews)
- Benton Dog Park - 4.6 stars (238 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
Saline County has a labor force of 67,590, with an unemployment rate of 3.4% as of December 2025. Approximately 65,290 people are employed in the area, indicating a healthy job market.
- Unemployment rate: 3.4% in December 2025.
- Employed: 65,290.
- Labor force: 67,590.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.