Benton
Mississippi

What stands out

Three things set Benton County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the share working from home is in the bottom 3% of American counties (2%), population growth is in the bottom 4% of American counties (-1.6% a year), and high-school completion is in the bottom 5% of American counties (78%). Within Mississippi it ranks 19th of 82 counties for the share working from home, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Benton County, Mississippi. 7,637 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 1.6% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -66).

Mississippi exempts all retirement income from its income tax, which is a flat 4% on income over $10,000 for 2026 and is scheduled to be eliminated over the coming decade. Home prices and overall cost of living are the lowest in the country. The state also ranks last or near last on health, income and school measures, and the Gulf coast carries hurricane exposure.

Money

The typical household here brings in $38,750 a year, lower than 94% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $46,416. Unemployment runs 4.9%, higher than 88% of American counties. 2% of workers work from home.

Mississippi takes 3.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $1,150 a year.

Home

The median home costs $160K, cheaper than 80% of American counties, about 1.8 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $577 a month. Property tax is 0.71% of home value, roughly $688 a year on that median home, lower than 64% of American counties. 81% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.2 per 1,000 residents, higher than 69% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 19 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 71.6 years, shorter than 90% of American counties. There are 2 active physicians in the county, about 2.6 per 10,000 people. 12.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.24 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 90% of American counties. 78% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 33 points. 69% of eligible voters turned out. Under Mississippi law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 73 and lows near 51, warmer than 74% of American counties. About 54 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 17 out of 100, safer than 83% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 206 Mbps down, faster than 53% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation.