Though the city of Benton is in Central Arkansas, it was named for a Missouri politician. Thomas Hart Benton was an outspoken member of the Senate during the early 1800s. His speeches gained him recognition in the Midwest, and when Arkansas became a state in 1836, the city of Benton was formally chartered with his name. The city is sometimes incorrectly said to be named for Benton’s great-grandnephew of the same name, a 20th-century painter influenced by the Midwestern United States. Though untrue, the city of nearly 38,000 people does look like a place Benton would paint. The city's downtown area, comprising Market and South streets, has historic brick buildings and a mural telling the story of the city’s origins. “Benton has a small-town feeling,” says Tiffany Davis, an executive broker with Vylla Home. “During Christmas, it's like a Hallmark movie here.” Benton, a suburb of Little Rock, is the largest city in Saline County and serves as the county seat. Its population is up from around 31,000 in 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Walmart Inc., Saline Memorial Hospital and the Benton School District are among the county’s largest employers.
The historic district of downtown Benton, rich with history, food, and culture.
Historic downtown Benton, Arkansas is a time capsule into historical roots with good food.
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Ranch-style and Cape Cod homes for below-average prices
The city’s median home price is $250,000, lower than the national average. Contemporary and ranch-style homes are common. Salem, a rural census-designated place just northeast of Benton, has more expensive Cape Cod and ranch-style homes. Homes stay on the market for an average of 36 days. The city outlined a goal of making neighborhoods more pedestrian- and bike rider-friendly in its 2020 comprehensive plan.
Traditional, contemporary homes line the streets in many newer neighborhoods of Benton Arkansas.
A newly-constructed, ranch home in a subdivision of Benton, Arkansas.
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Interstate 30 takes residents to Little Rock
Interstate 30 runs through Benton and continues around 25 miles northeast to Little Rock. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, in Little Rock, has direct flights to 15 destinations. Within the city, the South Central Arkansas Transit program provides curb-to-curb transportation at a reduced rate. The city's Saline Memorial Hospital is a 177-bed community hospital.
The Benton School District is highly rated
The Benton School District has an A-minus grade from Niche. Debbie Orton, a Realtor with Crye-Leike Realtors, says the district is one of the main draws for new residents. The district serves nearly 6,000 students at seven schools. Benton High School, the district’s lone high school, has an individual A-minus grade.
Ringgold Elementary is one of several schools serving children and residents of Benton Arkansas.
Benton High School is a large, multi-faceted school in Benton Arkansas serving students.
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The Gann Museum of Saline County is famous for its bauxite
The 1996 Oscar-winning film “Sling Blade” was filmed entirely in the city over 24 days. Benton is also the birthplace of Grammy-winning country singer Charlie Rich and Cy Young Award-winning MLB pitcher Cliff Lee. The Gann Museum of Saline County is the only known structure in the world constructed entirely of bauxite, a rock with a high aluminum content that was once abundant in the region. Cody Berry, a special collections assistant at Gann, says the museum showcases Niloak pottery, which uses local kaolin clay and a signature swirling design, as well as exhibits on local history. The Royal Theatre has hosted live productions and shown movies since 1920. The Saline County Fair is held for five days in the city each year, with the theme changing annually.
Riverside park has playing fields, a community center, and amenities serving Benton Arkansas.
If you want to eat, shop, or see a movie, Hickory Square Shopping Center is Benton's place.
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Boutiques and restaurants in downtown Benton
The city’s downtown has several boutique shops and dining options. Garry’s Sling Blade Drive-In renamed itself after “Sling Blade” featured it in one of the film’s most-famous scenes. The restaurant, in southeast Benton, serves classic American diner food. Hurricane Creek Village is a planned shopping center off Interstate 30 anchored by Kroger Marketplace and Academy Sports.
Kroger brings fresh ingredients and groceries to the Benton area.
For a more casual meal grab a sandwich from Burger Shack in historic, downtown Benton Arkansas.
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Bluegill fishing in the Saline River
There are eight parks within the city’s limits. According to the Trust for Public Land, 15% of city residents live within a 10-minute walk of a green space. That is lower than the urban U.S. median of 55%. The 24-acre Tyndall Park has softball fields, tennis courts and a skate park. Riverside Park has a community center with pools and a gymnasium, plus a dog park and athletic fields. The Saline River cradles the city’s western edge and provides fishing spots where bass, bluegills and channel catfish are found.
Riverside park has playing fields, a community center, and amenities serving Benton Arkansas.
Tyndall Park has athletic fields, a skate park, and a massive splash pad in Benton.
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Tornadoes can touch down in Saline County
According to statistics from the Benton Police Department, violent crime rates have dropped in recent years, while property crime rates have increased. Both rates are higher than the national average, according to FBI crime data. Benton is in Arkansas’ tornado hot spot, and residents should be prepared to take shelter from storms. The city experiences four seasons, with muggy summers and wet winters.
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Photography Contributed By
Zachary Mirer
Video By
Adam Barkley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Nathan Thompson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Benton, AR sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Benton, AR over the last 12 months is $229,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 7035 Point View Road, a beautiful property offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and room to roam. Situated on 5 serene acres in the Glen Rose School District, this home is ideal for those who want space—both inside and out. Inside, you’ll find 3 bedrooms, plus two flex spaces that could serve as a 4th and 5th bedroom, office, or hobby room—giving you the versatility
Welcome to 802 Nature Way, an incredible home in The Preserve at The Woodlands, one of Benton’s most sought after subdivisions. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an office, large bonus room with full bathroom upstairs. The kitchen comes equipped with all the extras including Bosch appliances, double oven, gas cooktop, custom cabinets with additional storage racks and drawers, pot filler, and huge pantry
Spacious Home with Acreage, Pond, and Guest House. Discover the perfect balance of comfort and country living with this unique property just outside city limits. Set on 11 serene acres with a private pond and chicken coops, this 2-story home offers plenty of space both indoors and out. The main residence features 5 bedrooms & flexible living with kitchens on both the main & lower levels—ideal
Welcome to this spacious home in the highly desirable Wellington Pointe! Thoughtfully designed, this home is ideal for a large family or those seeking an in-law suite. The split floor plan offers generous living space, with oversized bedrooms carefully positioned to balance both privacy and togetherness. Start your day with a cup of coffee on the large covered front porch, where you can enjoy
Welcome to this less than three years old, stunning home in The Woods of Hurricane Lake Estates, that was designed with style and comfort in mind. From the inviting front porch to soaring ceilings with exposed beams, beautiful wood floors and a stone fireplace, every space feels open and welcoming. The chef’s kitchen boasts floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, quartz countertops, an oversized island, GE
This beautifully designed 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home offers 2,853 square feet of modern comfort and style. The open concept layout features soaring 12-foot ceilings, light-colored wooden floors, and a spacious kitchen with a large island and walk-in pantry, perfect for gathering and everyday living. The master suite is thoughtfully designed with a convenient connection to the laundry room, adding
Welcome to The Greens at Longhills in Benton, Arkansas! Living in this beautifully developed apartment community provides everything you want right at home, in your own neighborhood. We are centrally located in Benton and just minutes from restaurants, shopping and businesses. Whether your preference is upstairs with added views or downstairs for convenience, your spacious apartment is
Charming and move-in ready! This renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home features fresh paint, new floors, an updated bathroom vanity, and beautifully painted kitchen cabinets. Cozy and convenient, it’s the perfect place to call home. Schedule your tour today!
Revive Benton Apartment Homes, located in the heart of Benton, Arkansas, is a place where comfort, convenience, and community intertwine to create a truly exceptional living experience. From the moment you drive into the community, you'll feel a sense of belonging and tranquility that sets Revive apart. The spacious floor plans offer a seamless blend of style and functionality, providing you with
Just 5 miles from Benton, Salem residents enjoy all the perks of their city neighbor without having to follow its regulations. The 2,000 people who live in this small community have easy access to Benton’s shopping and dining and are free to raise chickens or build a garage without seeking a permit. “Salem is rural and suburban. There are places that have quite a bit of acreage and then there are a few subdivisions too. There’s quite a bit of everything. Very seldom do you have anything listed there,” says Marsha Fleming, a Realtor with IRealty, who’s a longtime area resident. “It’s a high-demand area because in the county there are no rules like in the city of Benton. You can build what you want where you want. If you want to have horses or cows you can do that.”
Those considering a move to Salem will primarily find homes built from the 1970s to the present day. From ranch homes to Cape Cods, they come in all manner of styles. There are subdivisions with sidewalk-lined streets full of contemporary homes with two-car garages and grand estates on multiple acres.
The median listing price hovers around $225,000. A two-bedroom, 2-bath cottage could be found for around $150,000, while a four-bedroom, three-bath with four acres could cost $400,000. “If something comes up it will sell within days. It’s a really strong market there,” Fleming says. “People like it, so they don’t move. The older people just stay there. Why would they leave if they’ve been happy there for years? They know their neighbors and their neighbors know them.”
Public school students may attend Salem Elementary, Bryant Middle, Benton Junior High for eighth and ninth grades and Bryant High School for 10th through 12th. The elementary, middle and high schools score A-minus Niche grades, while the junior high earns an A. Home to the Hornets, the high school boasts a state championship-winning football team. “The schools are excellent,” Fleming says. “There’s a very high demand for the schools.”
From TJ Maxx to Home Goods, residents will find plenty of nationally known retailers along Interstate 30 in Benton. Grocery store runs can be easily accomplished at Value Foods on Salem Road. For dining out on Interstate 30, locals can grab a gourmet burger at Red Robin or head to I Heart Mac & Cheese, for adult twists on a childhood favorite, such as lobster and white truffle macaroni and cheese. “There’s a Walmart, an Olive Garden, a Home Depot, everything you need is a couple of miles away in Benton,” Fleming says.
Popular pastimes include catching the latest flick at the Cinemark movie theater on Interstate 30 or cheering on the Little League softball and baseball teams at Salem Ballpark on Angela Drive. And with an easy 25-mile trip east on Interstate 30, entertainment on a larger scale awaits in Little Rock.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Benton Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
35,527
Median Age
38
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$65,523
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$78,877
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.3%
College Graduates
25.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.1%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
52''
Average Winter Low Temperature
33°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
10''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
13/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
5/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
