Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Benson, North Carolina is a smaller city with a population of 3,991 inhabitants. Benson is mostly populated by White (53%) and Black or African American (43%) ethnic groups. In Benson, there seems to be a shift in population towards an older age group. The average age of the population is now 48, which is significantly higher than the nation’s average. Benson is known to be family friendly as more than 72% of the population has already tied the knot. It might also be worth noting that 30% of residents also have children under the age of 18. Long commute times to work can be incredibly frustrating, ranking just behind housework on the list of life's annoyances. If you opt to make Benson your home, your one-way commute time will typically last around 25 minutes, a duration that aligns with the national average commute time of 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new city to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Benson could be a positive experience compared to other cities in North Carolina if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Benson and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the North Carolina and national averages.
Using data and statistics Benson has received a livability score of 65 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 58th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on the scores for each individual category, Benson has received high marks for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+). On a less positive note, Benson does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (D-), crime (F) and education (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Benson has an unemployment rate of 1.5% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Benson excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Benson is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Benson come in at $215,309, which is 25.6% lower than the North Carolina average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Benson, the home price to income ratio is 3.2, which is 22% lower than the North Carolina average.
| Statistic | Benson | North Carolina | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.8% | 81.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.4% | 9.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.3% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.2% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 12.5% | 4.8% | 4.6% |
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