Benton County

As of the 2020 Census, Benton County, Arkansas, has a population of approximately 284,333. The racial composition is about 76.7% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 1.6% Native American, 3.3% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 11.3% from other races, and 4.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race constitute about 17.2%. The median household income is $69,582 and the poverty rate is around 7.7%.

As of 2023, Benton County, AR, has a median home value of around $280,000. The median rent is approximately $1,200 per month. The county's population has rapidly grown, surging to over 290,000 residents. The housing market has seen a 10% annual appreciation rate, reflecting high demand and limited inventory. Homeownership stands at 65%, with a vacancy rate near 5%. New constructions are increasing to accommodate growth. For affordability, median household income is roughly $70,000.

Benton County, AR conducts elections for various federal, state, and local offices. Key elections include those for U.S. Representatives, Arkansas State Legislature, county officials, and municipal offices.

In the 2022 general election, the following were notable:

1. U.S. House, 3rd District: Incumbent Steve Womack (R) vs. Lauren Mallett-Hays (D).

2. Arkansas State Senate District 1: Bart Hester (R) ran unopposed.

3. County Judge: Barry Moehring (R) ran unopposed.

Voter turnout in Benton County often matches or exceeds state averages. For example, in the 2020 general election, the turnout was around 71%.

Precise numbers and additional candidate details can be accessed through the Benton County Election Commission or the Arkansas Secretary of State's websites. Please verify with these official sources for the most current election data and candidate listings.

As of the latest data, Benton County, Arkansas, has made significant strides in educational attainment. Approximately 92.5% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma or higher, which is above the national average of about 88.5%. Furthermore, 35.6% of the county’s residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, also surpassing the national average of 33.1%. When compared to the state of Arkansas, where 87.8% have at least a high school diploma and 24.4% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, Benton County stands out. This can be partially attributed to the economic influence of large corporations based in the area, such as Walmart, which emphasizes higher education among its workforce. The higher-than-average educational attainment in Benton County indicates a more educated population compared to both state and national averages.

Benton County, AR, has a robust employment landscape driven primarily by the presence of major corporations such as Walmart, which has its headquarters in Bentonville. In 2021, the county had an unemployment rate of approximately 2.5%, significantly lower than the national average of around 4.5% and the Arkansas state average of 4.4%.

Top industries in Benton County include:

1. Retail Trade, employing about 23.5% of the workforce, largely attributed to Walmart.
2. Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, accounting for approximately 10%.
3. Manufacturing, making up around 9% of employment.

Compared to national and state statistics, Benton County's employment in the retail sector is notably higher, reflecting its role as a retail hub. The county also shows a higher concentration of jobs in professional and technical services due to the numerous suppliers and vendors associated with Walmart. Conversely, manufacturing employment is aligned more closely with national averages.

As of the latest data, the average household income in Benton County, AR, is approximately $81,000. This figure surpasses the state average for Arkansas, which is around $66,000, but is slightly below the national average of about $87,000.

Here is a statistics table for a clearer comparison:

This data highlights that Benton County benefits from a relatively higher income level compared to the overall state of Arkansas but is still trailing behind the national average.

As of the latest available data, Benton County, Arkansas, has seen various crime rates. According to local law enforcement statistics, the overall crime rate per 1,000 residents is generally below both the national and state averages.

Crime Statistics Table for Benton County, AR (per 1,000 Residents)

The violent crime rate is relatively low, with violent crimes such as aggravated assault and robbery contributing less to overall crime rates compared to property crimes like larceny-theft.

Note: The data provided is subject to yearly changes and updates. Always refer to the latest resources for the most current information.