Benton County, Missouri

Income Data

-12% vs. Missouri average
$52,200
Median Household Income
$30,994
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$52,200
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$30,994
-21% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
31.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Missouri
#86 / 115
by median household income

How Benton County Compares

Benton County$52,200
Missouri Average$59,503
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$52,200
Median Household Income
$30,994
Per Capita Income
$164,700
Median Home Value
31.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Benton County, Missouri

Benton significantly below national income

Benton County's median household income of $52,200 falls $22,555 short of the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap reflects a county economy with limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Lowest-earning in this analysis

At $52,200, Benton County's median household income ranks among the lowest in this eight-county study, trailing Missouri's state average of $59,503 by $7,303. The county faces economic challenges similar to Barton, with incomes well below state norms.

Below-average earner regionally

Benton's $52,200 median income ranks among the weakest in the region, exceeding only Barton County's $49,503. The county underperforms most neighbors, suggesting local job market limitations compared to surrounding areas.

Housing costs pressure budgets

Benton's 18.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks second-highest in this analysis, approaching affordability stress for renters. The median home value of $164,700 consumes a substantial portion of household earnings, limiting discretionary savings for residents.

Benton households: prioritize foundations first

With income at $52,200, Benton residents must focus on budgeting and building emergency reserves before aggressive investing. Once housing costs are stabilized and savings cushions established, even modest contributions to retirement accounts will compound meaningfully over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Benton County, Missouri?
The median household income in Benton County, Missouri is $52,200, 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 $30,994, 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 $52,200.
How does Benton County compare to the Missouri average?
Benton County's median household income of $52,200 is lower than the Missouri state average of $59,503. The per capita income is $30,994, compared to the state average of $31,011.
What is the per capita income in Benton County, Missouri?
The per capita income in Benton County, Missouri is $30,994, 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 Missouri?
Benton County's median household income of $52,200 is below the Missouri average of $59,503. The per capita income of $30,994 is also lower than the state average of $31,011. 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 Missouri?
Benton County ranks #86 out of 115 counties in Missouri by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $52,200 and per capita income of $30,994, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Benton County

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Your income is above the Benton County median

County median: $52,200 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-30%

vs. Benton County MedianAbout equal
vs. Missouri Average12% below
vs. National Median30% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.3x

Your monthly income ($4,350) vs. median rent ($823/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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