Benton County, Tennessee

Income Data

-15% vs. Tennessee average
$50,435
Median Household Income
$28,169
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$50,435
-15% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$28,169
-29% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.9%
income as % of home value
Rank in Tennessee
#71 / 95
by median household income

How Benton County Compares

Benton County$50,435
Tennessee Average$58,994
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$50,435
Median Household Income
$28,169
Per Capita Income
$123,400
Median Home Value
40.9%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Benton County, Tennessee

Benton faces a significant income gap

Benton County's median household income of $50,435 lags the U.S. median of $74,755 by 32.5%, a gap of $24,320. This reflects the economic challenges of rural West Tennessee and limited high-wage employment opportunities.

Well below Tennessee average

Benton County ranks near the lower end statewide, earning 14.5% less than Tennessee's median of $58,994. Per capita income of $28,169 is also 10% below the state average, indicating limited wealth accumulation across the population.

Among the county's lower earners

Benton's $50,435 matches nearby Campbell County ($50,260) closely, with both trailing Cannon County ($58,092) and Bledsoe County ($49,655). The consistency suggests shared economic drivers—likely rural employment and limited industrial anchors.

Housing affordable but income stretched

Benton's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% remains manageable, though median home values of $123,400 may overstate affordability relative to actual earning power. Households here must budget carefully to avoid financial stress despite technically favorable rent ratios.

Start small, build consistency

Benton households earning $50,435 should prioritize building even modest emergency savings—$50–100 monthly adds up over time. Exploring job training programs, remote work opportunities, and small-business resources can unlock pathways to higher earnings in the county.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Benton County, Tennessee?
The median household income in Benton County, Tennessee is $50,435, 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 $28,169, 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 $50,435.
How does Benton County compare to the Tennessee average?
Benton County's median household income of $50,435 is lower than the Tennessee state average of $58,994. The per capita income is $28,169, compared to the state average of $31,458.
What is the per capita income in Benton County, Tennessee?
The per capita income in Benton County, Tennessee is $28,169, 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 Tennessee?
Benton County's median household income of $50,435 is below the Tennessee average of $58,994. The per capita income of $28,169 is also lower than the state average of $31,458. 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 Tennessee?
Benton County ranks #71 out of 95 counties in Tennessee by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $50,435 and per capita income of $28,169, 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: $50,435 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-15%

vs. National Median

-33%

vs. Benton County MedianAbout equal
vs. Tennessee Average15% below
vs. National Median33% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent5.3x

Your monthly income ($4,203) vs. median rent ($788/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.