City Comparison
Sherwood vs Benton
Cost of living, salaries, climate and quality of life compared side by side.
VS
Benton scores higher overall
Performance
Score Breakdown
Sherwood
Benton
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Benton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
22% higher compared to Sherwood.
Housing costs are a major driver: Sherwood's average rent is
47% higher than Benton's.
| Metric | Sherwood | Benton | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,345 | $917 | +47% |
| Groceries | $380 | $400 | -5% |
| Utilities | $213 | $180 | +18% |
| Transport | $110 | $150 | -27% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $200 | 0% |
| Monthly Total | $2,248 | $1,847 | +22% |
| Cost Index | 93 | 92 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Sherwood offers 6% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Sherwood delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Sherwood is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Benton.
| Metric | Sherwood | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $46,462 | $43,632 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 49,959 idx | 47,426 idx |
| Household Income | $81,328 | $72,876 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Sherwood runs warmer on average — a 64.8°F difference year-round.
For sunshine, Sherwood comes out ahead with 258 more sunny days per year,
which can meaningfully impact mood and outdoor lifestyle.
Winter severity differs too — Sherwood sees 9.3 more inches of snowfall annually.
| Metric | Sherwood | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | 64.80°F | °F |
| Summer High | 91.90°F | °F |
| Winter Low | 34.40°F | °F |
| Rainfall | 48.50 in | in |
| Snowfall | 9.30 in | in |
| Sunny Days | 258 | |
| Humidity | % | 75.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 0 minutes of each other.
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 | Sherwood | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 24 min |
| Transit Score | 21.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 20.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Benton is the larger city
— approximately 0.9x the population of Sherwood.
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 | Sherwood | Benton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 33,777 | 36,595 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.47% | 1.80% |
| Median Age | 39.9 | 38.1 |
| Unemployment | 4.20% | 3.00% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Sherwood
Advantages
The cost of living in Sherwood is 7% lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Sherwood boasts a strong job market with employment growing at a rate of 5.52% from 2023 to 2024.
The city offers numerous parks and recreational facilities, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities and family fun.
Public schools in Sherwood are rated above average, contributing to a family-friendly environment.
The homeownership rate in Sherwood is 70.8%, higher than the national average, indicating a stable community.
Drawbacks
Sherwood's overall crime rate is higher than the national average, with a safety grade of D.
The city is largely car-dependent, with minimal public transportation options and low walkability scores.
Residents note a limited selection of nightlife and diverse entertainment options within Sherwood itself.
Violent crime rates in Sherwood are 77% higher than the national average.
While growing, the city's economic base is still developing, with a focus on a few key industries.
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.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Sherwood
#106Arkansas, USA
54.3 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,345
Avg Salary
$46,462
Cost Index
93
Commute
24 min
Transit Score
21.0/10
Walkability
20.0/10
Sunny Days
258/yr
Avg Temp
64.80°F
Pop. Growth
0.47%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
75
Business
70
Benton
#69Arkansas, USA
60.6 / 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
Calculate Your Cost Impact
Estimate the salary you'd need when moving between Sherwood and Benton.
Open Cost Calculator