$182,340Average Value$101Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Benson's small-town charm keeps natives around and attracts newcomers
Benson is home to fewer than 3,500 people, many born and raised in the small Minnesota city. "A lot of people from the area think about moving away," says Terri Collins, a Realtor at Hughs Real Estate & Auction Service and former mayor of Benson. "But once they get older or start having kids, they realize how nice it is and how many benefits there are."
Diverse employers, options for recreation, well-funded schools, and community events are just a few things that keep native residents around and attract new people. "This last year, most homes I sold were to new residents," Collins says. "There's something here for everyone, and it's a more diverse community than 25 years ago."
Benson has a population of less than 3,500 people.
Benson Bakery is located on Pacific Avenue.
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Industry has diversified but still leans agricultural
Benson was a significant trading center in the late 1800s after The St. Paul and Pacific Railroad extended west to the city in 1870. Farming was the main way of life, and nearby grain elevators prompted a boom in crop growing. In the years since, Benson's industry has diversified to include a few large employers. "The biggest are our hospital, our schools and manufacturers," Collins says. "We're also still very agricultural, and so much of our economy relies on our farmers and how well they do each year." Benson also employs many government officials as the county seat of Swift County.
Much of Benson's economy comes from agriculture.
Farmers in Benson pick up supplies from Runnings General Store.
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Single-family homes dominate the area
Victorian cottages from the early 1900s, bungalows and Cape Cods are on the gridded streets, ranging from $70,000 to $190,000. A few traditional pocket neighborhoods and subdivisions have ranch-style, split-level and bi-level homes from the mid- to late-1900s. Those, as well as larger bungalows and Colonial Revival homes, range from $190,000 to $410,000. There are minimal apartment complexes, townhouses or multi-family homes in the area, but according to Collins, there is a big push for developers to build duplexes. "I don't think we could build enough for how many people we have on the waitlist," she says.
Colonial Revival and American Foursquare are among the housing styles in Benson.
Most homes in Benson are single-family.
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Outdoor spaces where the community gathers
Despite its small size, the city has no shortage of parks and destinations for outdoor recreation. Brock Field has baseball diamonds, softball diamonds and a concession stand for youth leagues. Benson Park has a city-owned golf course and a public pool equipped with a shallow splash area and a multi-story waterslide. Residents wanting to connect with nature can camp, fish, hike and kayak at Ambush Park. Those looking for live music head to Roosevelt Park for a Music in the Park series that takes place every other summer Thursday. A children's museum called Mini Sota Agricultural Children's Museum is under construction to honor the city's agricultural foundation.
Benson Park is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to enjoy world-class aquatic fun and a fantastic 18-hole golf outing in a friendly community setting.
Ambush Park features beautiful walking trails right along the river providing a peaceful and scenic environment for hikers and nature lovers.
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The school district secures $26.5 million in funding
Northside Elementary School teaches prekindergarten through fifth grade and earns a B-minus from Niche. Benson High School, which has a junior high school and a senior high school that share one building, is rated a B. The city passed a referendum worth $26.5 million in 2024 that will drastically improve both school buildings. "Classic for a small town, the referendum was voted down the first time," Collins says. "The second vote around, it passed with flying colors." Benson High School was originally a one-room schoolhouse, which had its first graduate in 1890 and can still be visited today at Ambush Park.
Benson Secondary School takes pride in its state-of-the-art facilities including a modern performing arts center and collaborative learning spaces for all students.
Northside Elementary School offers a strong foundation for early learners through its comprehensive preschool and early childhood programs that prepare children for future success.
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A farmers market and local businesses in an interesting downtown area
Locally owned restaurants and boutiques are along Pacific Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, the two main streets that make up either side of a downtown area intersected by an active train track. "We call the space between the main streets Railroad Park, and there's a farmers market there every Thursday," Collins says. Whistle Stop Diner is in a remodeled historic train car that faces the track. The dining section replicates a train's dining car, with faux windows and curved, vaulted ceilings. Benson Bakery across the street has display cases of pastries, cookies and chocolates. "The blueberry donuts are my favorite," Collins says. Family Dollar, Runnings and local specialty shops like Mike's Guns & Sporting Goods are in the city. Walmart, Kohl's and other big-brand stores are 30 miles east along U.S. Route 12 in Wilmar.
Locals can grab essentials at the Family Dollar in Benson.
Whistle Stop Diner is in a popular lunch spot in Benson.
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Traffic is limited, unless there’s a train passing
The train tracks are active, with a train coming through almost hourly, according to Collins. "If you have a short lunch break, you don't cross the tracks for risk of not getting back in time," she says. "A traffic block in Benson consists of cars five blocks back just waiting for the train to pass." U.S. Route 12 and Minnesota state highways 9 and 29 are the area's main roads. St. Cloud is about 85 miles northeast, and Minneapolis is about 140 miles southeast. Central Care – Benson Hospital is the local health center, and the closest international airport is in Minneapolis. Areas around the Chippewa River are susceptible to flooding, but houses are mostly unaffected.
Written By
Heather Haggerty
Photography Contributed By
Adam Lapallo
Video By
Daniel Quattro
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Ryan,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Benson, MN sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Benson, MN over the last 12 months is $165,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great Opportunity to own a beautiful property close to town! This charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is set on a beautiful landscaped one-acre lot. The main floor features fresh paint and new carpet, while the basement includes one finished room with plenty of space left to customize to your needs. The kitchen is equipped with newer stainless steel appliances, plus a new washer and dryer in lower
Swift County MN - ONLINE ONLY AUCTION ENDING January 26th, 2026 @ 11:00am. Total of 80 Deeded Acres. Any interested buyers can obtain an information packet. Camp Lake Township, Swift County MN. 58.65 Acres in CRP until 2035 & 14.3 Tillable Acres.
Great commercial/investment opportunity! This property is multi-zoned for commercial & residential single-unit. With a move-in-ready 2-bedroom/one bath apartment on the upper level and space on the main floor for a small business or just extra storage space. The building has an extra-large garage and plenty of yard space. This property is just waiting for the right buyer!
Spacious 4 Bed, 2 Bath Updated Two-Story Home on Oversized Lot.This beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom two-story home offers space, functionality, and modern improvements throughout. Recent updates include new appliances, fresh paint, and updated flooring, giving the home a clean, move-in-ready feel. Situated on an oversized lot, the property provides plenty of room for outdoor living,
Beautiful 5-acre property just outside Benson featuring a custom-built home. Built in 1993 with steel siding, Marvin windows, and a poured concrete foundation, this home reflects superior craftsmanship and attention to detail. The property includes over two acres of landscaped lawn with in-ground sprinklers and mature trees, creating a peaceful country setting.The main floor features an
Located just a few miles from Benson, this spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath rambler sits on 9.18 scenic acres, offering the perfect blend of country living and functional outbuildings for hobby farming, animals, or workshop space. The home features many recent updates, including new sheetrock, flooring, and fresh paint, creating a clean and refreshed interior with plenty of space for family living and
Cozy 2-bedroom, full bath rambler located on Benson’s south side with great potential and several recent updates. Recent improvements include new exterior paint, some new flooring, a new furnace, A/C, and water heater, newer windows, and the house roof was replaced in 2022, with a brand newer rubber roof on the garage. The home features a spacious front living room plus an additional family room
Remodeled, Refreshed and Ready for you to move right in! This Charming Turn of the Century home is a must see with it's 9 foot ceilings throughout the home. Updated Stainless steel appliances, furnace and electrical. Fresh paint, new lighting and fixtures bring a modern look to the home that awaits you to add your pop of color. For those looking for main floor living - there is a large bedroom
Great Opportunity to own a beautiful property close to town! This charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home is set on a beautiful landscaped one-acre lot. The main floor features fresh paint and new carpet, while the basement includes one finished room with plenty of space left to customize to your needs. The kitchen is equipped with newer stainless steel appliances, plus a new washer and dryer in lower
There is a City of Benson Easement on the West side of the property that is platted for a Road. All utilities are available for connection in the Road. Now is a GREAT time to build your DREAM HOUSE!
Here is the house you have been waiting for, new furnace and AC, New roof in 2023, updated electrical, siding, windows and gutters. This 5 bed 2 bath house is loaded with storage and sold "as is". There are a few projects that need to be finished but the expensive projects are already done. Come check out this classic home with a huge corner lot.
Back on the Market - Log cabin life in town! 2 bed/ 2 bath, log sided home with large double garage. Spacious back yard perfect for evening bonfires and privacy. Lots of entertaining areas outside with patios, porches, decks and even a gazebo to enjoy. This home offers maintenance free metal roof central AC/Furnace as well as main floor living with large bedroom on the main floor. recently
Narrow lot located on 16th Street North between the Avenues of Utah and Atlantic. Ideal for an extra garage or storage units. The city of Benson does have specific building instructions for what can be placed on/built on empty lots because of size. Recommend talking with City about what buyer plans to do with the lot after purchase.
Property Id: 1996485Northview Court Townhomes. 3 bedroom, 1 and a half bathroom townhome. Damage deposit $1,230.Rent includes water, sewer, garbage, heat and one stall attached garage. Tenant pays electricity. Pets are allowed, 2 maximum with $400 per pet deposit, and $40 per pet monthly rent. Application fee is $60 per adult. Call Slava at
Property Id: 2332700Welcome to this charming townhouse located in Benson, MN! This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom home boasts 964 square feet of comfortable living space and is perfect for those seeking a cozy yet functional environment. The property features a secure building with modern amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, range oven, and refrigerator, ensuring all
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