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'Benson' is a town located in Johnston County, North Carolina. The town lies at the intersection of Interstates 95 and 40. Each year Benson celebrates Mule Days® the 4th Saturday of September. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 2,923.

Contents

Geography

Demographics

History

External links

Geography

Benson is located at 35°22'56" North, 78°32'46" West (35.382270, -78.546206).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.5 km² (2.1 mi²). 5.5 km² (2.1 mi²) of it is land and 0.47% is water.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,923 people, 1,230 households, and 757 families residing in the town. The population density was 532.3/km² (1,380.1/mi²). There were 1,364 housing units at an average density of 248.4/km² (644.0/mi²). The racial makeup of the town was 57.61% White, 34.04% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 5.78% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. 7.29% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 1,230 households out of which 29.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.0% were married couples living together, 20.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 34.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the town the population was spread out with 27.5% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 83.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $26,582, and the median income for a family was $32,277. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $20,045 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,350. 25.0% of the population and 20.2% of families were below the poverty line. 39.7% of those under the age of 18 and 23.2% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

History

It was founded by John William Wood Sr. who rode to it each morning on a mule and wagon from his home near Meadows, North Carolina.

External links

★ Official Benson, NC website

★ Mule Days