Benton County wealth increases most in Arkansas

by Jeff Della Rosa ([email protected]) 933 views 

Over the past 10 years, overall wealth in Arkansas has risen the most in Benton County, according to new analysis.

New York-based fintech SmartAsset recently released a study that shows the U.S. counties with the greatest increase in wealth. Benton County ranked No. 1 in Arkansas. Nantucket County, Mass., was No. 1 nationwide.

SmartAsset used data from the IRS, U.S. Census Bureau, and Zillow to determine the counties with the greatest increases in wealth. The study compared changes in all U.S. counties’ investment income, property value and median income over the past 10 years.

Compared to all U.S. counties, Benton County ranked 42nd for overall wealth growth over the past 10 years. However, the county had the third-largest increase in investment income at $120,000. Kenton County, Ky., had the most investment growth at $241,000.

Following are other Benton County metrics over the past 10 years:

  • Median home value rose by $192,866
  • Median income increased by $22,372.

According to the study, Calhoun County has the second-largest overall wealth increase in Arkansas. The county was ranked No. 462 nationally. Washington County, Carroll County and Independence County rounded out the top five counties for greatest increases in wealth in Arkansas.

Statewide, the average median home value rose by $103,279, median income increased by $10,677 and investment income grew by $8,942. Nationwide, the metrics were $124,609, $12,945 and $9,005, respectively.