Performance
Score Breakdown
Benton
Elyria
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Benton is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
1% lower compared to Elyria.
| Metric | Benton | Elyria | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $917 | $917 | 0% |
| Groceries | $400 | $450 | -11% |
| Utilities | $180 | $249 | -28% |
| Transport | $150 | $120 | +25% |
| Healthcare | $200 | $125 | +60% |
| Monthly Total | $1,847 | $1,861 | -1% |
| Cost Index | 92 | 94 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Elyria offers 44% lower average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Elyria delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Benton is estimated at
$55,000 vs $30,516 in Elyria.
| Metric | Benton | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $43,632 | $78,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $30,516 |
| Purchasing Power | 47,426 idx | 82,979 idx |
| Household Income | $72,876 | $54,945 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Benton | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| 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
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 1 minutes of each other.
For walkability, Benton leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Benton | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 24 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 30.0/10 | 30.0/10 |
| Walkability | 30.0/10 | 13.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 50.00 | 45.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Elyria is the larger city
— approximately 0.7x the population of Benton.
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 | Elyria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 36,595 | 53,634 |
| Pop. Growth | 1.80% | % |
| Median Age | 38.1 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.00% | 3.40% |
| 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.
Elyria
Advantages
The cost of living in Elyria is significantly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to reside.
Elyria boasts a high livability score and ample local amenities, including restaurants, grocery stores, and parks.
The city's crime rate is lower than the national average, contributing to a generally safe environment.
Housing in Elyria is notably affordable, with a median property value significantly below the national average.
Elyria offers a strong sense of community and a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
Drawbacks
The employment sector in Elyria has received a low grade, indicating challenges in the job market.
Public transportation options are limited, leading to high car dependency for most residents.
Some residents perceive a lack of nightlife and entertainment options for adults, describing the city as 'boring' for that demographic.
The city faces issues with road quality, including bad streets and potholes.
Shopping opportunities have been noted as dissipating from what was once a booming city.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Benton
#65Arkansas, 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
Elyria
#13Ohio, USA
75.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$917
Avg Salary
$78,000
Cost Index
94
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
30.0/10
Walkability
13.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
75
Business
50
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