Education, Employment and Housing
Benton County, AR, has over 75 public schools, including reputed high schools like Bentonville High. Around 91% of adults hold a high school diploma, and 35% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores are above the state average, with a 2023 graduation rate of 92%. School safety is a priority, featuring resource officers and secure campuses. The county also offers adult education programs and advanced educational options such as AP and STEM courses, supporting diverse learning pathways for students and community members.
As of 2023, Benton County, AR, boasts an employment rate of about 66%, with unemployment near 2.5%. Major industries include retail trade (14%), professional and business services (13%), and manufacturing (13%). Common occupation types are management (12%), sales (11%), and office/administrative support (11%). Over 75% of residents commute by car, with an average commute time of 21 minutes. Key employment locations are Bentonville, Rogers, and nearby Fayetteville, with many employed by Walmart’s headquarters or its supply chain partners.
Benton County, AR has a homeownership rate of about 68%, with a median home value of $305,000 in 2024, up 7% year-over-year. The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,200. Popular housing types include single-family homes and new developments, particularly in Rogers, Bentonville, and Bella Vista neighborhoods. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.6% of the property's assessed value. The county’s dynamic market reflects rapid population growth and strong demand, with new subdivisions and mixed-use developments reshaping the area’s housing landscape.
Demographics
As of 2023, Benton County, AR has an estimated population of 313,660. The median age is 36.7 years, with 50.1% female and 49.9% male residents. The racial and ethnic breakdown is approximately 72% White, 16% Hispanic or Latino, 2% Black or African American, 3% Asian, and 6% identifying as two or more races or other. The county continues to experience steady growth, driven by economic opportunities in the region.
County Crime & Safety
Benton County, AR, maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to national averages. As of 2023, the county reported a violent crime rate of 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 17.1 per 1,000, both below Arkansas state averages. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office actively updates crime statistics and encourages community reporting through its online portal. Efforts such as neighborhood watch programs contribute to overall public safety, with a steady decline in burglaries and thefts observed over the past five years.
Elections
Benton County, AR, had 180,000+ registered voters as of 2024. Elections include federal, state, county, and municipal levels. In the 2022 general election, Benton County saw a 58% turnout; Republicans received 68% of votes in major races, Democrats 28%. The county operates 50+ polling locations. Key 2024 issues include property taxes, infrastructure, and school funding. The Benton County Election Commission oversees election administration, ensuring compliance and security. Major parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans dominating most local offices. Early voting and absentee ballots are also available to Benton County voters.
Popular names
- Michael Smith
- David Smith
- Jose Hernandez
- Robert Smith
- Jose Garcia
- Jose Martinez
- Maria Garcia
- John Evans
- John Smith
- James Smith
- James Evans
- Michael Johnson
- Maria Hernandez
- Maria Martinez
- Mark Smith
- David Johnson
- Maria Lopez
- Maria Sanchez
- Michael Jones
- Jose Perez
- Christopher Johnson
- James Brown
- Mark Johnson
- Mary Smith
- Robert Johnson
- Jennifer Smith
- Justin Smith
- Robert Brown
- Robert Taylor
- Jason Smith
- John Williams
- Maria Gonzalez
- Amanda Smith
- Daniel Smith
- James Harris
- Juan Garcia
- Michael Williams
- Robert Jones
- William Smith
- Amy Johnson
- Brian Smith
- Christopher Smith
- David Wilson
- James Johnson
- Jose Flores
- Joshua Johnson
- Maria Perez
- Matthew Smith
- Michael Brown
- Richard Brown
- Sarah Smith
- Ana Hernandez
- David Brown
- Jennifer Jones
- Jessica Johnson
- Maria Rodriguez
- Melissa Johnson
- Michael Anderson
- Richard Smith
- William Johnson
Other Counties in Arkansas
- Arkansas
- Ashley
- Baxter
- Boone
- Bradley
- Calhoun
- Carroll
- Chicot
- Clark
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Cleveland
- Columbia
- Conway
- Craighead
- Crawford
- Crittenden
- Cross
- Dallas
- Desha
- Drew
- Faulkner
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Garland
- Grant
- Greene
- Hempstead
- Hot Spring
- Howard
- Independence
- Izard
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Johnson
- Lafayette
- Lawrence
- Lee
- Lincoln
- Little River
- Logan
- Lonoke
- Madison
- Marion
- Miller
- Mississippi
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Nevada
- Newton