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
Karena Malott,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Benton, AR sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Benton, AR over the last 12 months is $225,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Step into this charming and beautifully maintained 4 bedroom, 2 bath family home nestled in the desirable Hurricane Meadows subdivision of Benton, AR. With a welcoming brick-accented exterior, a three-car garage, and a manicured yard, the home exudes curb appeal from the moment you arrive. Inside, an open and flowing layout invites you into a bright living area that connects seamlessly with the
Peaceful tranquility meets modern luxury! Step through a custom iron front door into this beautifully updated 3-bedroom plus an upstairs bonus, 3-full-bath home designed for both comfort and elegance. Enjoy updated light fixtures and hardware, new flooring in most bedrooms, and an upgraded kitchen island countertop that makes entertaining effortless. The primary suite offers a serene retreat
Welcome to 1164 Tulip Street! This property is RD eligible, meaning you could qualify for $0 down. This house is adorable! This updated 4 bedroom home even features a versatile flex area upstairs, perfect for a home office or playroom. The interior has modern finishes that enhance its cozy appeal! Enjoy cooking in the kitchen, complete with a pantry and breakfast bar! The backyard is perfectly
Lovely Salt Creek Road home with 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Bathrooms all located on the first level of the home! The bonus room is the only room upstairs it is nice and roomy. This home has all new paint, new LVP flooring, and carpet, the tile is original but looks good. The kitchen has been updated with new cabinets and granite counter tops and a new back splash, new lighting and lots of new
Location, Location, Location! Exit 114 area, on the service road right before Hwy 70, great place for commercial or residential development! Approximately 11051 feet of frontage! Water available, sewer close by. See attached survey for legal. This is one of the areas ready for growth in the Saline County area! Right up the service road from the future Buc-ee's.
The Bennett House - Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this stunning Folk Victorian home was built in 1904. 1.36 acres with a garage, shop, & garden! 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a bonus and so much more! Grant eligible for additional updates if desired. Brand New Mini-splits upstairs! Historic features include the original front door, hardware, stained glass window, wood fish
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
Welcome to 806 Schley, a charming residence nestled in the heart of Benton, AR. This home boasts three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, offering ample space for comfortable living. The interior is beautifully designed with granite countertops that add a touch of elegance to the kitchen. The house features a no-carpet policy, making it perfect for those who prefer easy-to-clean and
Welcome to The Greens at Longhills- PHASE II NOW LEASING! We are centrally located in Benton and just minutes from restaurants, shopping and businesses. Private bedrooms and baths offer the optimum layout for singles, families, or roommates. Enjoy the convenience of a full-size washer and dryer in each apartment and full-size appliances in the kitchen including refrigerator with ice maker,
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.
