IncomeBy County

Benton County, Minnesota

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-6% vs. Minnesota average
$71,480
Median Household Income
$36,935
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$71,480
-6% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$36,935
-6% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
28.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Minnesota
#46 / 87
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Benton County Compares

Benton County$71,480
Minnesota Average$75,757
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$71,480
Median Household Income
$36,935
Per Capita Income
$247,100
Median Home Value
28.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Benton County

Income Verdict

Benton County has a median household income of $71,480 and per capita income of $36,935 — a gap of $34,545, suggesting a typical mix of dual-income and single-earner households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $917/month and a median household income of $71,480, rent consumes approximately 15.4% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

A median household income of $71,480 suggests moderate-to-strong purchasing power, generally sufficient to cover essentials with room for discretionary spending in most markets. Per capita income of $36,935 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Benton County earns approximately 5.6% below the Minnesota state median household income of $75,757.

Data Story

About Household Income in Benton County, Minnesota

Benton slightly below national income average

Benton County's median household income of $71,480 trails the national median of $74,755 by approximately $3,275, a 5% shortfall. The county sits near the national average, reflecting a solid middle-income economy.

Below Minnesota's income standard

At $71,480, Benton County ranks about $4,300 below Minnesota's state average of $75,757. The county represents the middle-lower segment of Minnesota's income distribution, earning slightly less than the state norm.

Mid-range income among nearby counties

Benton's $71,480 slightly exceeds Becker ($71,117) and tops several other regional neighbors, though trails Blue Earth ($72,623). The county occupies the middle of the regional income spectrum, competitive with surrounding rural and small metro areas.

Housing highly affordable on local wages

Benton's 15.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the region's best, indicating strong housing affordability. A median home value of $247,100 is very accessible to local earners, enabling savings for other financial goals.

Low housing costs enable wealth building

Benton residents earning $71,480 benefit from exceptional housing affordability that frees up capital for long-term investing. Allocating even 15% of income to retirement and investment vehicles can generate substantial wealth over a working lifetime.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Benton County, Minnesota?
The median household income in Benton County, Minnesota is $71,480, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Benton County?
The per capita income in Benton County is $36,935, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $71,480.
How does Benton County compare to the Minnesota average?
Benton County's median household income of $71,480 is lower than the Minnesota state average of $75,757. The per capita income is $36,935, compared to the state average of $39,335.
What is the per capita income in Benton County, Minnesota?
The per capita income in Benton County, Minnesota is $36,935, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Benton County a low-income area in Minnesota?
Benton County's median household income of $71,480 is below the Minnesota average of $75,757. The per capita income of $36,935 is also lower than the state average of $39,335. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Benton County rank for income in Minnesota?
Benton County ranks #46 out of 87 counties in Minnesota by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $71,480 and per capita income of $36,935, it falls in the middle third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Benton County

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1.00x

Your income is above the Benton County median

County median: $71,480 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-6%

vs. National Median

-4%

vs. Benton County MedianAbout equal
vs. Minnesota Average▼ 6% below
vs. National Median▼ 4% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.5x

Your monthly income ($5,957) vs. median rent ($917/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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