What to know before you move: cost, market timing, who it fits.
If you're considering a move to Benton, IL, the most important variables are the local housing market, the cost structure (taxes, insurance, utilities), and how well the city fits your day-to-day life. This page summarizes the housing market read; pair it with the cost of living page for the full picture.
Benton is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, with an estimated population of 6,578. The median home value in Benton is $110,432 as of 2026-04, up 2.2% over the last 12 months. Over the last five years, home values have averaged -2.9% annual growth, and the market currently sits about 17% below its 5-year peak. The composite momentum score is 35 of 100 (Cooling). Buyers may find more room to negotiate; sellers should price realistically.
Prices have come off recent highs (-16.8% from peak). Buyers may have more room to negotiate; sellers should price realistically.
Reasons people move here
- Affordable AND rising: median home $110,432 with positive recent direction — rare combination most of the country can't offer.
- Quiet strength: +2.2% over the trailing year — not a melt-up, but the market is bid.
Things to know first
- 17% off recent peak — buyers are getting through-the-cycle pricing, not the peak.
- Flat or shrinking population: -0.5% per year. Housing demand has to come from somewhere — verify the source.
- Stagnant long-run trend: +0.0% 10-year CAGR plus flat population — appreciation case is weak.
- Thin housing market: small population means fewer transactions and slower resale. Liquidity risk on exit.
More about Benton
Sources: Zillow ZHVI (home values), Zillow ZORI (rents), US Census ACS + place population. Updated when source agencies publish revisions.