Benton Heights, Michigan

Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 9.9 km² (3.8 mi²). 9.9 km² (3.8 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 5,458 people, 1,944 households, and 1,310 families residing in the town. The population density is 548.8/km² (1,419.8/mi²). There are 2,175 housing units at an average density of 218.7/km² (565.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the town is 30.51% White, 65.63% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 2.46% from two or more races. 1.45% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 1,944 households out of which 39.6% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 28.4% are married couples living together, 32.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% are non-families. 27.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 10.2% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.74 and the average family size is 3.31.

In the town the population is spread out with 36.3% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 17.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 29 years. For every 100 females there are 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 79.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town is $19,651, and the median income for a family is $22,610. Males have a median income of $24,740 versus $17,816 for females. The per capita income for the town is $9,959. 38.0% of the population and 31.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 53.2% are under the age of 18 and 19.6% are 65 or older.