Performance
Score Breakdown
Benton
Jacksonville
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Benton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
18% lower compared to Jacksonville.
Housing costs are a major driver: Benton's average rent is
27% lower than Jacksonville's.
| Metric | Benton | Jacksonville | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $1,250 | -27% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 | 0% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $250 | -20% |
| Monthly Total | $1,847 | $2,250 | -18% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 80 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Benton offers 41% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Benton delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Benton is estimated at
$55,000 vs $42,000 in Jacksonville.
| Metric | Benton | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,632 | $30,946 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $42,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,426 idx | 38,683 idx |
| Household Income | $72,876 | $49,666 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Benton | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 75.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Jacksonville has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,000 minutes (33 hours) per year compared to Benton.
Benton scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Benton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Benton | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 20.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 22.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 40.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Benton is the larger city
— approximately 1.2x the population of Jacksonville.
From a growth perspective, Benton is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Benton has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Benton | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 36,595 | 29,400 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 32.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Benton
Advantages
The cost of living in Benton is approximately 8% lower than the national average, making it highly affordable.
Benton boasts a highly-rated school district, making it attractive for families.
The city has experienced significant economic growth, with Benton County seeing a 15.5% increase in average weekly wages in 2024.
Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton holds an 'A' safety grade and has received awards for cardiac care, indicating high-quality healthcare access.
Benton offers a small-town charm with convenient access to the amenities and employment opportunities of nearby Little Rock.
Drawbacks
Benton has a low Walk Score of 30/100 and is largely car-dependent, meaning most errands require a vehicle.
The city has a high flood risk in certain areas, potentially requiring mandatory flood insurance and higher utility costs.
Benton's violent crime rate of 414.0 per 100,000 residents in 2024 is 18% above the national average.
Public transit options are very limited, with only about 0.1% of residents using it for commuting.
Commutes to major job centers like Little Rock can take 30-45 minutes, which might be a drawback for some residents.
Jacksonville
Advantages
The median home value in Jacksonville is significantly lower than the national average, making housing highly affordable.
Jacksonville offers a strong sense of community and a family-friendly atmosphere.
The average commute time for residents is relatively short at 20.3 minutes.
The city is undergoing various infrastructure and development projects, indicating investment and potential future improvements.
Jacksonville has numerous parks and hosts community events like FestiVille, providing recreational opportunities.
Drawbacks
Jacksonville's violent crime rate is higher than the national average.
As of April 2026, the city lacks an acute care hospital with an emergency department, impacting general healthcare access.
The city has minimal public transportation and low walkability, making it highly car-dependent.
The city experienced a slight decline in employment from 2023 to 2024.
The population is projected to have a slight annual decline in 2026.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Benton
#64Arkansas, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$43,632
Cost Index
92
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
30.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.80%
Unemployment
3.00%
Livability
66
Business
70
Jacksonville
#95Arkansas, USA
60.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,250
Avg Salary
$30,946
Cost Index
80
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
20.0/10
Walkability
22.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
65
Business
60
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