Benton, Illinois

About Benton

Benton is a close-knit town in southern Illinois, home to 6,578 residents as of the latest Census estimates.

Benton holds the status of an incorporated city with its own municipal government. The community covers 5.49 square miles, giving it a balanced suburban layout with room to breathe at roughly 1,198 residents per square mile.

📰 Benton News Today

• MCSO: Illinois man charged with possession of a stolen vehicle WPSD Local 6 · Aug 13
• Commission to release report into sexual harassment allegations against former Illinois state Representative Harry Benton ABC7 Chicago · Jul 23
• Editorial: Illinois has rules against harassment. The Harry Benton scandal shows the system still isn’t working. Chicago Tribune · Aug 16
• Dave Williams Obituary | Leffler Funeral Home | Benton, IL Tribute Archive · Aug 17
• Speaker Welch to Rep. Harry Benton: Resign or be expelled Capitol News Illinois · Jul 1

Live headlines via Google News — updates through the day.

What Makes Benton Unique

• One of 14 places in the US named Benton — but the Illinois one has a character all its own.
• Positioned in southern Illinois, convenient to the region's corridors and crossings.
• Part of the fabric of Illinois — one of 1,461 recognized communities statewide.

Why People Love It Here

• Big enough for services and schools, small enough to feel like home.
• Local businesses and schools anchored by a stable resident base of 6,578.
• Well connected: 3+ neighboring communities within 7 miles.

🍽️ Where to Eat in Benton

• Mr D's — burger
• Pop's BBQ
• The Cozy Table

Local spots mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.

🎡 Fun Things to Do

• Franklin County 1910's Garage Museum · Museum

Attractions mapped by the OpenStreetMap community.

🏞️ Parks & Outdoors in Benton

• Franklin County Fairground reviews ★
• Macum Branch South Recreation Area reviews ★
• Marcum Branch North Public Use Area reviews ★
• North Marcum Recreation Area reviews ★
• South Marcum Recreational Area reviews ★

Parks mapped by the OpenStreetMap community · "reviews" opens each park's live Google reviews.

🏫 Schools in Benton

• Benton Cons High School
• Benton Grade Sch 5-8
• Benton Grade Sch K-4
• ECHO Juvenile Detention Ctr
• Franklin Co Detention Center 6-8
• Franklin Co Detention Center 9-12
• Starquest Acad RSSP North

Public schools, U.S. Dept. of Education (NCES) 2023–24 directory.

🏥 Hospitals & Healthcare

• Franklin Hospital · 24/7 ER · Critical Access Hospitals

Medicare-registered hospitals with official CMS star ratings.

⚡ Quick Facts

🗺️ Map of Benton

🏘️ Nearby Communities