Healthcare in Benton
Detailed healthcare data — sourced from authoritative datasets and normalized for direct comparison.
Healthcare in Benton, Arkansas
Benton is served by Saline Memorial Hospital, a key healthcare facility in the area. This 177-bed community hospital is a significant employer in Saline County and offers a wide range of services, including cardiology, pediatrics, orthopedics, women's services, and emergency care. Saline Memorial Hospital has consistently received an 'A' hospital safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national watchdog, placing it among the safest hospitals in the nation. Additionally, it has earned the 2025 Platinum Performance Achievement Award for cardiac care, underscoring its commitment to quality medical services. While other specialized hospitals like Arkansas Heart Hospital-Encore are located in nearby Bryant, Saline Memorial provides comprehensive and high-quality care directly within Benton.
Healthcare
About Benton, Arkansas
Benton, Arkansas, the county seat of Saline County, is a growing city known for its blend of small-town charm and access to larger metropolitan amenities. First settled in 1833 and officially chartered in 1836, the city is named after Missouri Senator Thomas Hart Benton. It has experienced significant population growth, increasing by an estimated 8% between 2019 and 2024, making it one of Arkansas's fastest-growing communities. People are drawn to Benton for its family-friendly atmosphere, highly-rated school district, and a cost of living that is notably lower than the national average. The city offers a welcoming community environment and a growing economy, making it an attractive place for both families and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.
About Arkansas
Arkansas, known as "The Natural State," offers diverse geography from the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains to the Mississippi River Delta, fostering a relaxed, nature-oriented lifestyle. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture with rice and poultry as leading products, has diversified to include significant contributions from manufacturing (food products, chemicals, wood and paper products, aerospace parts) and a growing service sector, largely influenced by Walmart's presence. Living in Arkansas is generally affordable, with a cost of living consistently below the national average, particularly for housing. The state experiences a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers, and while property taxes are low, sales taxes can be high.