Where is Benson, Arizona Located in the United States? Benson is a city located in the Cochise County of Arizona, United States. Benson lies between 31.967 Degrees North latitudes and -110.2945 Degrees West longitudes.
Location Map of Benson in Cochise County, Arizona
About Map: The map shows the location of Benson in the state of Arizona, United States. Benson is a city in Cochise County, Arizona.
Benson Map, Arizona, USA
About Benson Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Benson in Arizona, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Benson.
About Benson, Cochise County, Arizona
Benson is a city located in Cochise County in the U.S. state of Arizona, United States. Situated in southeastern Arizona, the city lies east of Tucson and serves as a residential and transportation hub within Cochise County. Benson was established in 1880 and was named after William B. Benson, a railroad agent. The city developed as a railroad and agricultural center and continues to reflect its historic roots.
Population
According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Benson is 5,105 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 600 people per square mile.
Area and Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, Benson covers a total area of approximately 41.0 square miles (about 106.19 square kilometers), including about 40.9 square miles (105.93 square kilometers) of land and about 0.1 square miles (0.26 square kilometers) of water.
Location and Surroundings
Benson is located in southeastern Arizona within Cochise County, approximately 45 miles east of Tucson. The surrounding region features desert landscapes, mountain ranges, and open rangeland characteristic of southern Arizona.
Attractions and Recreation
Benson offers a variety of attractions and recreational opportunities. Kartchner Caverns State Park, located nearby, is a major attraction known for its limestone caves and guided tours. The San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area provides opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and nature exploration, while local parks support community activities.
Transportation
Benson is served by major roadways including Interstate 10 and State Route 90, providing convenient access to Tucson and surrounding regions. The nearest major airport serving the area is Tucson International Airport, located about 50 miles west of the city.
Explore more cities and counties across Arizona or view the complete USA States Map for additional geographic information.
Sources:
Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General information referenced from the Official City of Benson Website.
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Benson, Arizona City Facts
| City | Benson |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Cochise County |
| Country | United States |
| Region | Southeastern Arizona |
| Founded | 1880 |
| Incorporated | 1958 |
| Total Area | Approximately 41.5 sq mi (107.5 km²) |
| Land Area | Approximately 41.4 sq mi (107.2 km²) |
| Water Area | Approximately 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Elevation | Approximately 3,590 ft (1,094 m) |
| Population (2023 estimate) | Approximately 5,100+ |
| Population (2020 Census) | 5,105 |
| Population Density | Approximately 120 people per sq mi |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7, no DST) |
| ZIP Codes | 85602 |
| Area Code | 520 |
| Major Highways | Interstate 10, Arizona State Route 90 |
| Public Transit | Limited regional transportation services |
| Major Attractions | Kartchner Caverns State Park, San Pedro Valley, Benson Historic District |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofbenson.com/ |
Distance from Benson in Cochise County, Arizona to Other Cities in Arizona
- Tucson, AZ – 45 miles (72 km)
- Sierra Vista, AZ – 35 miles (56 km)
- Tombstone, AZ – 25 miles (40 km)
- Bisbee, AZ – 60 miles (97 km)
- Douglas, AZ – 70 miles (113 km)
- Willcox, AZ – 20 miles (32 km)
- Safford, AZ – 90 miles (145 km)
- Globe, AZ – 110 miles (177 km)
- Phoenix, AZ – 160 miles (257 km)
- Casa Grande, AZ – 80 miles (129 km)
- Chandler, AZ – 150 miles (241 km)
- Mesa, AZ – 150 miles (241 km)
- Scottsdale, AZ – 155 miles (249 km)
- Tempe, AZ – 150 miles (241 km)
- Payson, AZ – 170 miles (274 km)
- Flagstaff, AZ – 250 miles (402 km)
- Prescott, AZ – 210 miles (338 km)
- Yuma, AZ – 260 miles (418 km)
- Kingman, AZ – 300 miles (483 km)
- Lake Havasu City, AZ – 320 miles (515 km)
Benson, Arizona Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 61 | 31 | 0.8 |
| April | 81 | 47 | 0.3 |
| July | 95 | 70 | 2.8 |
| October | 82 | 49 | 1.0 |
| Annual | 80 | 49 | 11.5 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification | Cold Semi-Arid (Köppen BSk) |
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 12 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | About 286 days |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very Low - Summer monsoon thunderstorms and occasional flash flooding |
| Snowfall | Approximately 2 inches annually |
Driving Distances from Benson, Arizona
| City | State | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. David | Arizona | 10 | 12 min |
| Tombstone | Arizona | 27 | 30 min |
| Vail | Arizona | 35 | 35 min |
| Huachuca City | Arizona | 35 | 40 min |
| Sierra Vista | Arizona | 42 | 45 min |
| Willcox | Arizona | 44 | 45 min |
| Tucson | Arizona | 47 | 50 min |
| Bisbee | Arizona | 58 | 1 hr |
| Douglas | Arizona | 84 | 1 hr 25 min |
| Safford | Arizona | 88 | 1 hr 35 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in Benson, Arizona
| Transportation | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Benson Municipal Airport |
| IATA Code | Not Assigned |
| Port | Not Applicable |
| Major Highways | Interstate 10, State Route 80, State Route 90 |
| Train/Amtrak Service | Nearest Amtrak station at Tucson |
| Local Bus/Transit Service | Cochise Connection regional transit |
- Interstate 10 - Major east-west interstate connecting Benson with Tucson, Phoenix, New Mexico and Texas.
- State Route 80 - Scenic highway linking Benson with Tombstone, Bisbee and Douglas near the Mexican border.
- State Route 90 - Connects the city with Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca and southern Cochise County.
- Benson Municipal Airport - Supports general aviation, business aircraft and recreational flying in southeastern Arizona.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Benson, Arizona
| Landmark | Type |
|---|---|
| Kartchner Caverns State Park | State Park |
| San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area | Nature Preserve |
| Benson Visitor Center | Visitor Information Center |
| Butterfield RV Resort Observatory | Observatory |
| Benson Historic Depot | Historic Railroad Depot |
| Lions Park | Community Park |
| Quarles Art Gallery | Art Gallery |
| Kartchner Caverns Discovery Center | Interpretive Center |
| Tombstone Courthouse State Historic Park | Historic Site |
| Amerind Museum | Museum |
Colleges and Universities in Benson, Arizona
| Institution | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cochise College - Benson Center | Public | Community College | Career training and continuing education |
| Cochise College - Sierra Vista Campus | Public | Community College | Associate degree and transfer programs |
| University of Arizona | Public | University | Research and higher education |
| Pima Community College | Public | Community College | Workforce development and transfer education |
| Arizona State University | Public | University | Online and professional programs |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | Private | University | Aviation and aerospace education |
Waterbodies in Benson, Arizona
San Pedro River, Babocomari River, Benson Wash, Cienega Creek, Dragoon Wash, Willcox Playa, Parker Canyon Lake, Patagonia Lake, Aravaipa Creek, Roper Lake.
Golf Courses in Benson, Arizona
San Pedro Golf Course, Pueblo del Sol Country Club, Mountain View Golf Course, Turquoise Valley Golf Course, Rio Rico Golf Club, Kino Springs Golf Club, Sewailo Golf Club, Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course.
Benson, Arizona - Key Historical Facts
- Benson was established in 1880 as a railroad town along the Southern Pacific Railroad and was named after Judge William S. Benson.
- The city became an important transportation and supply center for nearby mining communities, including Tombstone, during Arizona's mining boom.
- Its strategic location along major rail and highway routes helped support agriculture, ranching and regional commerce throughout the twentieth century.
- Benson serves as a gateway to Kartchner Caverns State Park, one of Arizona's best-known natural attractions, discovered in 1974 and opened to the public in 1999.
- The nearby San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area has become a nationally recognized destination for birdwatching and outdoor recreation.
- Today, Benson is known for its rich railroad history, scenic desert landscapes, outdoor adventures and convenient access to southeastern Arizona's historic attractions.
References
- City of Benson
- U.S. Census Bureau
- Kartchner Caverns State Park
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
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