Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Benson, NC
Considering a move to Benson, NC? This welcoming town of 4,300 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $225,000 and average rents at $950. Residents enjoy a mild climate with 64% sunny days, plus a reasonable average commute time of 27 minutes. Benson boasts close-knit schools, easy access to healthcare, and a cost of living well below the national average. While crime rates are a bit above the state average, the community spirit and Southern charm make it a comfortable place to call home.
Demographics - Benson, NC
Demographics - Benson, NC
Benson, NC is home to about 4,300 residents, offering a small-town atmosphere with a diverse population that is primarily White and Black, and a median age of 38.2. The town features a balanced gender ratio and a modest proportion of non-English speakers, reflecting a welcoming and close-knit community.
Population:
4,300
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.0%
Black:
25.0%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
14.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Benson, NC?
Living in Benson is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 87.5, well below the national average. Median home values are around $225,000, and renters can expect average monthly rents of $950, making it an attractive option for those seeking budget-friendly housing and daily expenses.
Median House Value:
$225,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
5.25%
|
High:
5.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
87.5
Grocery:
92.0
Housing:
75.0
Utilities:
101.0
Transportation:
95.0
Health Care:
96.0
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Benson, NC a safe place to live?
Benson experiences somewhat higher crime rates than average, with a property crime chance of 1 in 44 and a violent crime chance of 1 in 263. While the crime index signals some caution, many residents appreciate the town’s community-oriented feel and local support networks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
380
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 263
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 44
Weather
What is the weather like in Benson, NC year-round?
Benson enjoys a mild climate year-round, with warm summers peaking around 89°F and winters rarely dipping below 32°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 64% sunny days, making outdoor activities enjoyable for much of the year.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
73°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
64%
Neighbors
The typical household in Benson has a median income of $54,300 and a family income of $61,200, with about 19.8% of residents living below the poverty line. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, and the average commute is just over 27 minutes, providing a balance of affordability and accessibility.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$54,300
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$37,000
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
8.5%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
4.3%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
15.5%
Education
How are the schools in Benson, NC?
Benson offers quality educational opportunities, with public schools featuring favorable student-teacher ratios and a private academy for families seeking alternatives. Higher education is easily accessible at Johnston Community College, located just 11 miles away in Smithfield.
Public Schools
Name:
Benson Elementary School
Street:
2040 NC Highway 50 S
Phone:
919-894-4233
Students:
700
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Benson Middle School
Street:
1600 N Wall Street
Phone:
919-894-3889
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Private Schools
Name:
South Johnston Christian Academy
Street:
100 W Church Street
Phone:
919-894-3510
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Johnston Community College
City:
Smithfield
State:
NC
Distance:
11 miles
Students:
4,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Benson is accessible, with a major hospital nearby and a physician density of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 90% of locals have health insurance coverage, ensuring most residents can get the care they need.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Johnston Health Smithfield
Address:
509 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577
Phone:
(919) 934-8171
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.2%
Health Care Index:
70.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Benson, NC?
Benson's housing market is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $225,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $950. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area sees moderate appreciation and low foreclosure rates, making it attractive for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$225,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.7%
New Construction Rate:
2.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents can handle their vehicle and driver services through the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently headquartered in Raleigh. The DMV offers accessible information and services online and by phone for Benson locals.
State:
North Carolina
Department:
North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
1100 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27697
Phone:
1-919-715-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.