| Statistic | Benwood | West Virginia | National |
| Population | 1,381 | 1,792,147 | 328,239,523 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,064 | 74 | 91 |
| Median age | 48.1 | 41.9 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 52% | 59% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 24% | 37% | 43% |
| Speak English | 98% | 98% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 1% | 13% |
Understanding the demographics of Benwood is essential for gaining insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of any city, town or village. This knowledge empowers planners, developers and policymakers to strategize effectively, promoting prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Benwood population is 1,381, with a population density of 1,064 people per square mile, diverging from the national average of 91. The median age is 48.1, and 52% of individuals aged 15 or older are married, while 24% have children under 18. As far as income equality in Benwood, 32% of households have a median income below $25,000, whereas 6% report an income exceeding $150,000, indicating a varied economic landscape within the area.
Understanding the Benwood racial demographics and ethnic composition is paramount for addressing systemic inequities, advancing social justice and inclusion and fortifying communities. In Benwood, the racial breakdown indicates 87.6% White, 5.4% Black or African American, 0% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 1.3% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Notably, 98.2% of households reported speaking English only, while 1% reported speaking Spanish only. Additionally, 0.7% of residents were categorized as foreign-born.
Benwood, characterized by above-average population density, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Its compact urban development encourages energy-efficient buildings, active transportation modes like walking and cycling and the utilization of public transit, fostering sustainable lifestyles and mitigating environmental impact. Additionally, the area's dense population contributes to a vibrant social and cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity fuels creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange, enhancing the community's social fabric. The Benwood population density stands at 1,064, exceeding the national average, at 91 people per square mile, positioning it in a nice position to reap the benefits of densely populated areas.
In a city like Benwood with fewer children, there are numerous advantages tailored to a demographic where families with fewer or no children seek an ideal environment. These benefits may encompass a serene atmosphere, a heightened emphasis on amenities geared towards adults, reduced traffic congestion and enhanced affordability. Notably, one of the key advantages could be the wider availability of housing options designed to suit adult residents or smaller households. This may include a variety of housing types such as condominiums, apartments, or single-family homes tailored for couples or individuals without children, thereby offering a diverse range of choices for prospective buyers or renters. Areas with fewer children may also signal that the locale is conducive to retirees or seniors. In Benwood, only 24% of the population consists of children under 18 years old, significantly below the national average. Additionally, 52% of residents aged over 15 are married. These demographics could suggest a promising environment for capitalizing on all the benefits of a city with fewer children.
Urban Development: Utilizing Benwood demographic statistics and data, urban planners can craft and develop areas that cater to local residents, encompassing housing, transportation and public services, all while emphasizing sustainability and enriching quality of life. Demographic transitions can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural environments. As neighborhoods draw in new residents with varying income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longtime inhabitants and reshaping the neighborhood's fabric. Comprehensive insights into population density, age distribution, household size, and income levels are instrumental in guiding decisions regarding zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing expansion and public amenities. Harnessing Benwood demographic stats for planning and executing affordable housing initiatives can serve as a preventive measure against displacement.
Healthcare Planning: Analyzing the demographic data in Benwood has the potential to inform healthcare planning and delivery by identifying population health needs, disparities and risk factors. Healthcare providers and policymakers can allocate resources more effectively, develop prevention and intervention programs and address health inequities within communities by understanding demographic trends. Leveraging demographic statistics can enable healthcare providers and policymakers to strive for equitable, accessible and high-quality healthcare for all individuals and communities. This proactive healthcare planning approach ensures targeted interventions, efficient resource allocation and tailored healthcare services to meet diverse population needs.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics can inform policy and decision-making processes at various levels of government, as well as in organizations and businesses. By reporting and analyzing Benwood demographics data, policymakers, government officials and organizational leaders can identify areas of need, allocate resources effectively and develop targeted policies and programs that address the specific needs and priorities of different demographic groups. Benwood demographics can play a crucial role in policy planning by informing resource allocation, evidence-based decision making, identifying priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy impact and promoting equity and inclusion. By leveraging this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
| Race | Benwood | West Virginia | National |
| White | 87.62% | 93.46% | 73.35% |
| Black | 5.43% | 3.43% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.00% | 0.76% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.00% | 0.18% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.04% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 6.52% | 1.83% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.43% | 0.31% | 4.75% |
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