Organized in 1840, the 406 square miles of Benton County are bounded by Illinois on the west and the counties of Jasper and White (north), Tippecanoe (east) and Warren (south). US 52, US 41 and rail freight service cross the county. Benton County is one of the most rural counties in Indiana, with a 2005 population of 9,039 declining from an historic high of over 13,000. Characteristics of the Benton County population are significantly different from Indiana's total population. Benton County has a smaller proportion of persons ages 18-44 than the State, as a whole. The County has a larger proportion of persons 65 and older than the State, as a whole.

There are two distinct commuting patterns that contribute to the quality of life and the needs of the county: (a) professionals, particularly school staff, commute into the county and return home to other counties at the end of the day, and (b) 38% of the Benton County resident workforce commutes out of the county every day for employment.

The result of these two commuting patterns is that the social capital that professionally prepared workers bring to Benton community leaves at the end of the work day leaves and is not present on the weekend. Workers commuting to employment outside the county have extended workdays, increased need for extended-day child care, and decreased energy for evening and weekend activities that enhance a community and contribute to social capital. Commuters also make stops at large discount stores between work and home and thus make far fewer purchases in the local communities once they arrive home. The county government and town governments are eager but struggling to find viable alternatives for economic development.

Benton County soil is rich, farms are well managed, and yields of corn and soybeans are some of the highest in the nation. Some dairy industry is entering the county, a harkening back to a history of raising livestock in the '30s when Benton County Herefords were a substantial basis of America's cattle industry.

Church and school activities are the focus of the social life in the towns. Youth enjoy athletics supported by parents, grandparents, and neighbors. FFA, 4-H, and scouting are active in the community; Extension Homemakers is well attended.

Fowler, the county seat, is home to 25% of the county residents. The County court house is located in Fowler. It was a gift from Moses Fowler and was recently renovated into a functional, yet beautiful, architectural landmark. A new 500 student elementary school will open in fall 2006; two town schools will close. Boswell and Otterbein will retain their local elementary schools. A private, parochial PK-6 school serves families throughout the County.

Purdue University and IVY Tech State College in Lafayette are within 35 miles from anywhere in the county.

See related links for other web pages with more information about Benton County and its resources.