Special Interest
Housing in Benton County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Benton County averages $773/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Missouri median of $1,033 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 36% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Benton County FMR Area are $735 for a studio, $755 for 1‑bedroom, $990 for 2‑bedroom, $1,273 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,548 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $217 increase for a 2-bedroom in Benton County shows a 28% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Benton County was 5.2% in 2024, compared to Missouri at 3.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
