RANK #562 / 996 · POP 123,988 · AR
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.5%
Saline County, Arkansas, is perhaps best known for its historical significance in bauxite mining, an industry that once supplied over 90% of the aluminum ore in the United States. Located in central Arkansas, with its county seat in Benton, Saline County sits just southwest of Little Rock, making the state capital easily accessible for commuters. The community offers a blend of suburban amenities and rural charm, with the Saline River providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Local parks like Benton's Riverside Park and Bryant's Bishop Park offer extensive recreational facilities, including walking trails, sports fields, and aquatic centers.
Life in Saline County is characterized by a family-oriented atmosphere and a growing economy. Many residents are families and young professionals who appreciate the highly-rated public school districts, such as Benton and Bryant, and the relatively low crime rates. While a significant portion of the workforce commutes to nearby Little Rock, the county is experiencing its own economic development, with new retail, restaurants, and hospitality projects underway in Benton. The area's economic landscape is diversifying beyond its mining past, with growth in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing, supported by local initiatives aimed at attracting businesses and fostering community growth.
Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Above national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 7.8x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Saline County has a Boom Town Index score of 44/100, ranking #562 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $73,236, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Saline County is $194,400 with median rent at $948/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3767, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed +1.9% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.27% of Saline County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.