Section Image

Benton

Benton

Located in Saline County

$257,749 Average Value
$146 Average Price per Sq Ft
199 Homes For Sale

A Central Arkansas city with a historic downtown

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.
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.
Historic downtown Benton, Arkansas is a time capsule into historical roots with good food.
1/2

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.
Traditional, contemporary homes line the streets in many newer neighborhoods of Benton Arkansas.
A newly-constructed, ranch home in a subdivision of Benton, Arkansas.
A newly-constructed, ranch home in a subdivision of Benton, Arkansas.
1/2

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.
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.
Benton High School is a large, multi-faceted school in Benton Arkansas serving students.
1/2

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.
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.
If you want to eat, shop, or see a movie, Hickory Square Shopping Center is Benton's place.
1/2

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.
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.
For a more casual meal grab a sandwich from Burger Shack in historic, downtown Benton Arkansas.
1/2

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.
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.
Tyndall Park has athletic fields, a skate park, and a massive splash pad in Benton.
1/2

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.

Ryan Kohn
Written By
Ryan Kohn
Zachary Mirer
Photography Contributed By
Zachary Mirer
Adam Barkley
Video By
Adam Barkley

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Lana Clifton, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
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

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
14,145
Number of Homes for Sale
199
Median Year Built
1992
Months of Supply
3.60
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,081
Above the national average
1,930
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,700
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,269
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Mar 15
    Open Sun 2PM - 4PM

    7611 Worth Ave E, Benton, AR 72019

    $825,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,679 Sq Ft
    • 7611 Worth Ave E
    • New 7 days ago

    Sunsets on the lake, evenings by the fire, and a backyard built for entertaining, this Hurricane Lake Estates home has it all! This stunning 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home sits directly on the water and offers the kind of views and lifestyle buyers dream about. From the moment you step inside, soaring ceilings, grand windows, and beautiful architectural details create an open, light-filled space

    Agent Photo
    Lindsey Brannon
    Crye-Leike REALTORS NLR Branch
    (501) 531-3166
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Saturday, Mar 14
    Open Sat 1PM - 3PM

    1215 River Oaks, Benton, AR 72019

    $319,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,233 Sq Ft
    • 1215 River Oaks
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to 1215 River Oaks Drive! This well-maintained, custom built home offers beautiful updates and thoughtful features throughout. Fresh paint gives the interior a bright, move-in ready feel, while the custom kitchen cabinets provide exceptional storage with pull-out drawers inside for maximum convenience. Step outside to a stunning three-tiered deck that’s perfect for entertaining or

    Agent Photo
    Cason Barnhill
    Keller Williams Realty
    (501) 271-3358
    Section Image
    Section Image
  • Sunday, Mar 15
    Open Sun 1PM - 3PM

    9015 Highway 298, Benton, AR 72019

    $423,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,260 Sq Ft
    • 9015 Highway 298

    Welcome to 9015 Highway 298 – where peaceful country living meets modern comfort! Situated on almost 1.7 acres, this property offers plenty of room to spread out, with a fully fenced portion for added privacy and functionality. Inside, you’ll find thoughtful finishes including upgraded flooring that enhances the home’s warm and inviting feel. Whether you’re enjoying the open living spaces or

    Agent Photo
    Elise Petro
    Move Realty
    (501) 501-8937
    Section Image
    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

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
$79,601
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
11''

Area Factors

Somewhat friendly

Bike Score®®

20 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walk Score®®

30 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
Benton